lineage
15 synonyms for lineage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A line of descent traced from an ancestor; a family's ancestry or a sequence of generations.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lineage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
trace one's lineage
royal lineage
family lineage
Etymology
From Old French linage, ultimately from Latin linea ("line") — the idea of a family "line" running through generations.
Full origin of lineage →Frequently asked questions
What does “lineage” mean?
The word “lineage” means a line of descent traced from an ancestor; a family's ancestry or a sequence of generations. In plain terms, someone's (or something's) ancestry or line of descent.
How do you pronounce “lineage”?
“Lineage” is pronounced LIHN-ee-ihj (/ˈlɪn.i.ɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lineage” in a sentence?
Here is “lineage” used in a sentence: “She could trace her lineage back to the 17th century.”
What part of speech is “lineage”?
“Lineage” is a noun.
Where does the word “lineage” come from?
The word “lineage” comes from Latin. From Old French linage, ultimately from Latin linea ("line") — the idea of a family "line" running through generations.
Is “lineage” a common word?
“Lineage” is an uncommon word in modern English.
