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

Toth recommends shakers for areas with thinning and powders with brushes for hairline recession. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 21 Feb. 2025

The rash tends to start at the hairline and spread down the body. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2025

Common symptoms, which typically appear 7 to 14 days after infection, include: A distinct rash that usually starts on the hairline and moves down to the face and upper neck. —Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 19 Feb. 2025

And his deal with the devil hairline is infuriating. —Outside Online, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hairline

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

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