waterline

noun

wa·​ter·​line ˈwȯ-tər-ˌlīn 

ˈwä-

: a line that marks the level of the surface of water on something: such as

a(1)

: the point on the hull of a ship or boat to which the water rises

(2)

: a line marked on the outside of a ship that corresponds with the water's surface when the ship is afloat on an even keel under specified conditions of loading

b

: shoreline sense 1

Examples of waterline in a Sentence

We repaired the hull below the waterline.

Recent Examples on the Web

Watch those low-angle waterline shots turning the ocean itself into an antagonist. —Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025

The walk-in shower is a highlight, courtesy of its waterline window looking out on a sea of blue. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 11 June 2025

Some public utility agencies add to the cost of construction for waterlines by refusing to allow developers to work with their own subcontractors. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2025

Its waterline scrubbing removes scum buildup along the pool’s edge with double-pass cleaning. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing waterline

• the waterline

Rhymes for waterline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

waterline

noun

wa·​ter·​line ˈwȯt-ər-ˌlīn 

ˈwät-

: a line marked on the outside of a ship that matches the surface of the water when the ship floats evenly