A-line

[ey-lahyn]

noun

1. (especially in women's clothing) a cut of garment consisting basically of two A -shaped panels for the front and back, designed to give increasing fullness toward the hemline.

2. a garment having such a cut.

adjective

1. being of such design or cut.

   an A-line coat; an A-line dress.

A-line

adjective

1. (of a garment, esp a skirt or dress) flaring slightly from the waist or shoulders

Word History and Origins

Origin of A-line¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

That could mean a classic A-line or ballgown for the ceremony with a shift to mermaid cut, column or mini dress for later events, she said.

From BBC

Then the trench coat is three-quarter length, and it creates a nice A-line shape, so it’s its own architectural moment as well.

From Los Angeles Times

A lowly brown rough, A-line tunic had a feel for historic garb and was elevated to high fashion by its minimalism.

From Seattle Times

The collection’s footwear, with its buckled, strappy knee-high boots, directly mirrored the cane ceiling’s latticework, while elsewhere, garments paid tribute to the 60s’ iconic nipped waists and A-line silhouettes.

From Seattle Times

An A-line grey wool collarless coat had pink peonies of varying sizes splashed over it, while a shorter white wool cape was adorned with similar detailed pink and yellow peony embroidering.

From Seattle Times