lineage

¹

[lin-ee-ij]

noun

1. lineal descent from an ancestor; ancestry or extraction.

   She could trace her lineage to the early Pilgrims.

   Synonyms: genealogy, derivation, parentage, pedigree

2. the line of descendants of a particular ancestor; family.

   Synonyms: clan, tribe

lineage

²

[lahy-nij]

noun

1. linage.

lineage

¹

/ ˈlɪnɪɪdʒ /

noun

1. direct descent from an ancestor, esp a line of descendants from one ancestor

2. a less common word for derivation

lineage

²

/ ˈlaɪnɪdʒ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of linage

Word History and Origins

Origin of lineage¹

1275–1325; line(al) + -age; replacing Middle English linage < Anglo-French; Old French lignage < Vulgar Latin *līneāticum. See line ¹, -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of lineage¹

C14: from Old French lignage, from Latin līnea _line ¹

Example Sentences

“There’s always been a lineage here that continues with bands like Arctic Monkeys and Fontaines D.C.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a previous interview with Variety, Cain explained that he’s proud of his Japanese lineage and family, even showing off a tattoo on his ankle that he says honors them.

From Salon

A.I. is becoming more lifelike by the day, making Olyphant’s quirky and very human contribution to the series’ android lineage a special kick to watch, and a welcome departure from his various lawman roles.

From Salon

Even the costumes are contemporary with nods to their lineage.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Ghulam Mohammed belongs to a lineage of craftsmen who have been building string instruments in Kashmir for over seven generations.

From BBC

Related Words

• clan 
• descent 
• genealogy 
• origin 
• pedigree