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

The package includes a personal consultation and hairline design by Dr. Acar. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

To use, apply moisturizer, then move the sticks from the midline of your face up toward your outer hairline several times. Buy It! —Jackie Fields, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Every day, hundreds of patients from Europe, the Middle East, and increasingly, the United States, arrive in Istanbul seeking to restore their hairline. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

For a more sculpted look, use the narrow side of the bullet to apply bronzer more precisely to the hairline, jawline, cheekbones, and any other areas that call for some contour. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Nov. 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