stretch marks

plural noun

: striae on the skin (as of the hips, abdomen, and breasts) from excessive stretching and rupture of elastic fibers especially due to pregnancy or obesity

Examples of stretch marks in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For over a decade Aerie has promoted the #Aerie Real campaign, which advocates for body positivity and celebrates real people with real skin, stretch marks and skin bumps. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 May 2026

Mason added that symptoms such as easy bruising, hormonal changes or purple stretch marks could point to an endocrine disorder rather than a cosmetic issue. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026

The Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment dramatically lifts, firms, and tightens sagging, crepey skin and smooths the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. —ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026

Celebrated for its role in softening stretch marks, rosehip oil offers far more than body care alone. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stretch marks

• benchmarks
• earmarks
• embarks
• hallmarks
• landmarks
• monarchs
• reichsmarks
• remarks
• remarques
• trademarks
• arcs
• barks

Medical Definition

stretch marks

noun plural

: striae on the skin (as of the hips, abdomen, and breasts) from excessive stretching and rupture of elastic fibers especially due to pregnancy or obesity