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 downtown street closure -- which began at 6 a.m. Wednesday -- is associated with waterline work serving the Benton County Courthouse at 102 N.E. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2025

Rather than a super stark white (which may seem unnaturally light on your waterline), the creamy shade is more understated, giving the appearance of large doe eyes. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025

Caviar lip liner defined her glazed angelic lips, while lashes and a dark waterline enhanced her smokey copper eyeshadow. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy. NATION California California's biggest lake has languished for decades as increased salinity, a sinking waterline and a foul smell have robbed it of past glory. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 30 Mar. 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