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

To create Wednesday's graphic eyeliner, the MUA layered Pat McGrath Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner ($36) and PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil ($29) in Xtreme Black on Ortega's tightline, waterline and lids. —Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

As for upkeep, black pools tend to highlight things like dust, sunscreen residue, and waterline marks more easily, so staying on top of cleaning and pH levels has become part of their routine. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Tracee Ellis Ross’s satin red lip matched Keke Palmer’s thick burgundy lip line; Doechii’s glass manicure was almost completely see-through; and, Megan Thee Stallion’s black eyeliner joined her white waterline into a classic double wing. —Essence, 11 Aug. 2025

Hathaway’s eyelashes also looked to be coated in a royal blue mascara; the color melting into her waterline. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 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