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

The Emmy-winning actress appeared with a sharp, smoky eye, made up of bronze shimmer, charcoal, black and navy hues, which melted over her lids and below her waterline. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Zendaya wore a thin ribbon of vibrant red all the way around her eye, hugging the upper lash line and coating her lower waterline, staying unbroken at the inner corner. — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026

The subs never actually submerged—passengers simply sat below the lagoon’s waterline—but the ride embodied a growing appetite for underwater tourism. — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026

The Beatbot Sora 70 is a massively versatile device, cleaning the water surface, waterline, floor, walls, and shallow areas as low as 8 inches in a single cycle. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing waterline

• the waterline

Rhymes for waterline

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

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