1
a(1)
: of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : straight
(2)
: involving a single dimension
b(1)
: of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
(2)
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
c(1)
: characterized by an emphasis on line
linear art
(2)
: composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
linear script
d
: consisting of a straight chain of atoms
a linear molecule
2
: elongated with nearly parallel sides
linear leaf
see leaf illustration
3
: having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4
: of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
linear thinking
a linear narrative
Synonyms
Examples of linear in a Sentence
a flat, almost linear horizon
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
Recent Examples on the Web
The company reported in August that its operating income from its linear networks fell 6% to $966 million in its third fiscal quarter, from $1 billion in the same quarter in 2023.
—
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
People — especially young folks — are getting less of their news and political information through linear television networks and more of it via digital outlets including social media and podcasts.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Additionally, Patricia ‘Ms. Pat’ Williams has extended her overall deal with BET Media Group to include linear and streaming projects.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
Williams has also extended her overall deal with BET Entertainment to produce linear and streaming projects.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linear 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Bruce Gil, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
People — especially young folks — are getting less of their news and political information through linear television networks and more of it via digital outlets including social media and podcasts.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Additionally, Patricia ‘Ms. Pat’ Williams has extended her overall deal with BET Media Group to include linear and streaming projects.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
Williams has also extended her overall deal with BET Entertainment to produce linear and streaming projects.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linear
Dictionary Entries Near linear
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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