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

But right here, this is the shot when No. 39 comes in and his hairline of his helmet strikes the helmet of the runner who is already on the ground. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025

Marcus Freeman, the 39-year-old coach with the cool demeanor and flawless hairline, is much harder to dislike, even for fans who have no particular affection for Notre Dame. —Austin Meek, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Mortensen finished the vulnerable clip by showing off his post-op hairline in the car, a bandage wrapped around the transplant site. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025

The man turns a receding hairline into a character choice better than any actor in the business. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Dec. 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