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waterline

noun wa·ter·line \ ˈwȯ-tər-ˌlīn , ˈwä- \
|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Definition of waterline

: 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 1

See waterline defined for English-language learners

See waterline defined for kids

Examples of waterline in a Sentence

  1. We repaired the hull below the waterline.

Recent Examples of waterline from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'waterline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of waterline

circa 1625

in the meaning defined at sense a(1)

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Phrases Related to WATERLINE

Related Phrases

WATERLINE Defined for English Language Learners

waterline

noun

Definition of waterline for English Language Learners

  • the waterline : the level that water reaches on the side of a ship

  • : a horizontal mark on a wall or other surface that was made by water during a flood and that shows how high the water was

WATERLINE Defined for Kids

waterline

noun wa·ter·line \ ˈwȯ-tər-ˌlīn , ˈwä- \

Definition of waterline for Students

: any of several lines marked on the outside of a ship that match the surface of the water when the ship floats evenly

Learn More about waterline

  1. See words that rhyme with waterline

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