hairline

noun

hair·​line ˈher-ˈlīn 

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

• ace
• hair
• hairbreadth
• hairsbreadth
• hop, skip, and jump
• inch
• neck
• shouting distance
• step
• stone's throw

Examples of hairline in a Sentence

The plate had a hairline running across it.

He has a receding hairline.

Recent Examples on the Web

Donovan isn’t the first sports broadcaster to publicly discuss having undergone a procedure in an attempt to bolster a receding hairline. —Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2024

Turmeric stem cells, vegan collagen, ashwagandha How to Apply: Apply a few drops directly to your scalp, along the hairline, widening part, and/or any other areas of concern. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 June 2024

As a result, patients may experience disappointing results, including unnatural-looking hairlines, uneven density, and, in extreme cases, scarring and complications that necessitate corrective procedures. —Chris Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024

At the end of the testing period, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker, with new growth in some of the thinner areas as well as along our hairline. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hairline

noun

hair·​line ˈha(ə)r-ˌlīn 

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 

: the outline of scalp hair especially on the forehead

hairline adjective