hairline

noun

hair·​line ˈher-ˈlīn How to pronounce hairline (audio)
Synonyms of hairlinenext
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
: hairbreadth
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

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of hairline in a Sentence

The plate had a hairline running across it. He has a receding hairline.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
De Niro delineates the two characters, who appear in several scenes together like the twins in The Parent Trap, with different vocal cadences (Genovese’s voice is much higher), hairlines, and considerable make-up and prosthetics. — Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025 If yes, instead of knotting your bandana headband below your hairline, tie the ends in the back so the top of your head is fully covered with the rest of the kerchief. — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025 With his unassuming looks and receding hairline, Hackman became Hollywood's quintessential everyman—often compared to Spencer Tracy. — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Then, work quadrant by quadrant from the back of your head to your front hairline. — Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hairline

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hairline was in 1846

Rhymes for hairline

See All Rhymes for hairline

Browse Nearby Words

hairlace
hairline
hair man
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hairline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairline. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of hairline for Spanish Speakers

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