assembly-line

1 of 2

adjective

as·​sem·​bly-line ə-ˈsem-blē-ˌlīn 

: made by or as if by an assembly line

especially : lacking originality or creativity

bored by the novel's assembly-line plot

assembly line

2 of 2

noun

1

: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled

2

: a process for turning out a finished product in a mechanically efficient manner

academic assembly lines

Examples of assembly-line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Tribune found signatures like Gossen’s are routinely tossed in a largely behind-the-scenes process where elections workers make snap decisions in assembly-line fashion using questionable methods. —Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2024

Plants are still easiest, as they are typically pressed flat onto paper sheets and can be photographed assembly-line style on a conveyor belt, with their labels visible. —Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 2 Apr. 2024

Noun

Tuesday’s episode of The Voice rolled off of the assembly line some wonderful performances — and a singularly bitter disappointment. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 29 Oct. 2024

Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, on a tour of the electrical assembly line at the VW plant in Emden. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1925, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

assembly line

noun

: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled