assembly-line

1 of 2

adjective

as·​sem·​bly-line ə-ˈsem-blē-ˌlīn 

: made by or as if by an assembly line

especially : lacking originality or creativity

bored by the novel's assembly-line plot

assembly line

2 of 2

noun

1

: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled

2

: a process for turning out a finished product in a mechanically efficient manner

academic assembly lines

Examples of assembly-line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Plants are still easiest, as they are typically pressed flat onto paper sheets and can be photographed assembly-line style on a conveyor belt, with their labels visible. —Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 2 Apr. 2024

Finally, Bryant says that manufacturing and assembly-line devices can be particularly revealing and can also be found on secondhand markets—especially platforms in China, since so many electronics are assembled in the country. —Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 10 Aug. 2024

Noun

However, as vehicles have become more complex and consumer demand for customization has increased, coupled with the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), the limitations of traditional assembly lines have become apparent. —Raghunandan Gurumurthy, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

There are several assembly lines working in parallel on different planes, but the most innovative part of the operation here is in Hall 245. —Antonio Dini, WIRED, 27 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1925, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

assembly line

noun

: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled