lineage Definition
- 1direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree
- 2a sequence of species each of which is considered to have evolved from its predecessor
Using lineage: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lineage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She comes from a long line of doctors.
Example
The royal family's lineage can be traced back to the 10th century.
Example
The lineage of this species can be traced back millions of years.
Example
He is proud of his Native American lineage.
lineage Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with lineage
a lineage traced through the maternal side of the family
Example
In some cultures, inheritance and property rights are passed down through matrilineal lineage.
a lineage traced through the paternal side of the family
Example
In many cultures, family names and inheritance are passed down through patrilineal lineage.
Example
The royal lineage of England dates back to the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Origins of lineage
from Old French 'linage', from Latin 'linea', meaning 'line'
Summary: lineage in Brief
The term 'lineage' [ˈlɪn.i.ɪdʒ] refers to direct descent from an ancestor, as in 'She comes from a long line of doctors.' It can also refer to a sequence of species that have evolved from their predecessors, as in 'The lineage of this species can be traced back millions of years.' 'Lineage' extends into phrases like 'matrilineal lineage,' denoting tracing ancestry through the maternal side, and 'patrilineal lineage,' tracing through the paternal side.