interlinear

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​lin·​ear ˌin-tər-ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce interlinear (audio)
1
: inserted between lines already written or printed
2
: written or printed in different languages or texts in alternate lines
interlinearly adverb

interlinear

2 of 2

noun

: a book having interlinear matter
especially : a book in a foreign language with interlinear translation

Examples of interlinear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Celtics’ title banner is constructed from two pieces of nylon fabric that are laid out and sewn together with a white-opaque interlinear. Dylan Manfre, Sportico.com, 20 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English interliniare, from Medieval Latin interlinearis, from Latin inter- + linea line

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interlinear was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near interlinear

Cite this Entry

“Interlinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interlinear. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

interlinear

adjective
in·​ter·​lin·​ear
ˌint-ər-ˈlin-ē-ər
1
: written between lines already written or printed
2
: printed in different languages in alternate lines
an interlinear translation
interlinearly adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!