A-line

American  

[ey-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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of A-line

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 • Aug. 29, 2025

Decades after she first posed in Gernreich’s styles, the A-line minidresses of that time made a fashion comeback.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2024

Her pageboy haircut is Dorothy Hamill tight and her uniform is a shapeless orange sweater, a pleated or A-line skirt and knee socks.

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2022

A-line coats with a weighty swag, dropped waists and statement pockets, meanwhile, introduced subtle tensions — alongside hems and fringing in contrasting patterns.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 5, 2022

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