hairline

noun

hair·​line ˈher-ˈlīn How to pronounce hairline (audio)
1
: a very slender line: such as
a
: a tiny line or crack on a surface
a hairline bone fracture
b
: a fine line connecting thicker strokes in a printed letter
2
3
a
: a textile design consisting of lengthwise or crosswise lines usually one thread wide
b
: a fabric with such a design
4
a
: the outline of scalp hair especially on the forehead
b
: the way the hair frames the face
hairline adjective

Examples of hairline in a Sentence

The plate had a hairline running across it. He has a receding hairline.
Recent Examples on the Web The rash — which consists of flat, red spots — breaks out between days three and five, forming at the hairline before spreading to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 The switch was complicated by a hairline fracture on his right pinky finger during spring training. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024 One model's straight, pitch-black hair was swept back into a ponytail to highlight the white strands along her hairline. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 14 Feb. 2024 Center Isaiah Jackson is listed as questionable with a hairline fracture on his right fifth finger. Dustin Dopirak, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Jan. 2024 Ultimately, Jabbari went to the hospital and was treated for a hairline fracture to a bone in her middle finger and a cut to her ear. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 The disease is characterized by a distinctive rash that starts at the hairline, moving to the head and neck. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2024 Anyone who heads from the first floor to galleries on the second and third floor will see two back-to-back videos of Wimbley that highlight the edges of her hairline. Graham Womack, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 After 3 or 5 days, a rash begins with flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hairline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hairline was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near hairline

Cite this Entry

“Hairline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairline. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hairline

noun
hair·​line ˈha(ə)r-ˌlīn How to pronounce hairline (audio)
ˈhe(ə)r-
1
a
: a very slender line
b
: a very thin crack on a surface
a hairline bone fracture
2
: the outline of the hair on the head and especially on the forehead
hairline adjective

Medical Definition

hairline

noun
hair·​line -ˈlīn How to pronounce hairline (audio)
: the outline of scalp hair especially on the forehead
hairline adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hairline

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