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

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 • Apr. 10, 2024

Knee-length, in blue floral jacquard with a slightly A-line skirt and fluted sleeves, the cut vaguely resembles a sort of 1950s hostess style; it looks conservative but not too conservative.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 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

“All righty,” Barb says when they get all my vitals and finish oohing and aahing over my sparkly, silver A-line gown and my white rose corsage.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott