water line
Americannoun
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Nautical. the part of the outside of a ship's hull that is just at the water level.
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Naval Architecture. any of a series of lines on the hull plans of a vessel representing the level to which the vessel is immersed or the bottom of the keel.
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the line in which water at its surface borders upon a floating body.
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Also called watermark. a line indicating the former level or passage of water.
A water line all around the cellar served as a reminder of the flood.
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a pipe, hose, tube, or other line for conveying water.
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waterline, the slightly wet inner rim of skin between the upper or lower eyelashes and the eye, especially with reference to the use of eyeliner.
Apply pencil eyeliner to your upper and lower waterlines.
noun
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a line marked at the level around a vessel's hull to which the vessel will be immersed when afloat
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a line marking the level reached by a body of water
Etymology
Origin of water line
First recorded in 1615–25
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With the replacement pipe in place, workers transitioned to slowly refilling the pipe to restore pressure, disinfecting the water line with chlorine and checking for any leaks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2026
Further assessments, however, found severe impacts below the water line to infrastructure “that supports the safe and functional operation of the harbor.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2025
If you have a major leak, the kind that sees water rushing through your home, turn off the entire water line to your home using the main shut-off valve.
From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2024
When all the main generators fail, ships rely on a backup generator that is typically situated above the water line in another area of the ship, with its own fuel source.
From New York Times ● Mar. 30, 2024
From the porch I could, at last, make out the three now taut lines, and then I caught sight of her washboards just above the water line.
From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
