1
a
: descent in a line from a common progenitor
b
: derivation
the gun's direct lineage is in the 1960s—
Erik Larson
Erik Larson2
: a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor
especially
: such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder
Synonyms
Examples of lineage in a Sentence
Noun (1)
his Italian lineage was very important to him
it is now generally accepted that the lineage of Thomas Jefferson includes black as well as white members
Recent Examples on the WebKenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2024
His critics include members of his own family, whose rabbinical lineage can be traced back to the 11th century.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 30 July 2024
The largest contingent, however, comprised those whose religious lineages could be traced directly back to fundamentalism.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024
About 80 tribes have removed approximately 11,000 tribal citizens from their rolls over the past 25 years over lineage questions, dual enrollment and other disqualifying factors.
—Kerri Malloy, The Conversation, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for lineage 
Noun
David Schick, Shelbourne’s senior strategist, said a renovation of 67-75 Pratt St. is challenging, given the age of the buildings, their historic lineage and bringing them in line with modern building safety codes.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2024
His critics include members of his own family, whose rabbinical lineage can be traced back to the 11th century.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 30 July 2024
The largest contingent, however, comprised those whose religious lineages could be traced directly back to fundamentalism.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024
About 80 tribes have removed approximately 11,000 tribal citizens from their rolls over the past 25 years over lineage questions, dual enrollment and other disqualifying factors.
—Kerri Malloy, The Conversation, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for lineage
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lineage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lineage
Cite this Entry
“Lineage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineage. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
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