A-line

American  

[ay-lahyn] / ˈeɪˌlaɪn /

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 British  

adjective

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

---

Etymology

Origin of A-line

First recorded in 1960–65

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

A-line

The final collection for Wilson is pleated, fluffy, lacy and — with its neat A-line cuts and sophisticated collars — unmistakably tennis.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026

When Nicole Hamilton found the A-line gown she plans to wear to her wedding reception, she requested a waist roughly 3 inches smaller than her frame.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 25, 2026

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 ● Aug. 29, 2025

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 ● Mar. 1, 2024

Hilly’s wearing a red wool A-line dress with a cape coat over it, Sherlock Holmes—style, even though it’s hot as fire in here.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---