waterline

noun
wa·​ter·​line | \ ˈwȯ-tər-ˌlīn How to pronounce waterline (audio) , ˈwä-\

Definition of waterline

: a line that marks the level of the surface of water on something: such as
a(1) : the point on the hull of a ship or boat to which the water rises
(2) : a line marked on the outside of a ship that corresponds with the water's surface when the ship is afloat on an even keel under specified conditions of loading

Examples of waterline in a Sentence

We repaired the hull below the waterline.

Recent Examples on the Web

The frilly tops of acai palms bob like drowned corpses just below the waterline. Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, "The price of ‘progress’ in the Amazon," 28 June 2019 Early reports from the ship’s chartering company indicate that Kokuka Courageous may have been the victim of a torpedo attack or mine and was attacked twice over a 3-hour period, resulting in a hole in the starboard hull above the waterline. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Two Oil Tankers Attacked in the Middle East, U.S. Destroyer Rescues Crew," 13 June 2019 Mayor Clough: Maintaining a city’s infrastructure is critical to the success and viability of any community: waterlines, streets, storm system … all are critical to maintaining safe roadways and adequate storm and sanitary sewers. Linda Gandee/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Westlake mayor reviews first half of 2019; is retirement in his future?," 17 June 2019 The llama was spotted at the waterline of East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingstown on June 29. USA TODAY, "Roller coaster ghost town, Alaska heat, rock hyrax pups: News from around our 50 states," 8 July 2019 The waterline is the boundary between the stated and implied, our consciousness and our dreams. Amanda Hess, New York Times, "Women Crash the Pool Party," 3 July 2019 Much of the reconstruction is being done below the waterline, including a new keel that will run the length of the boat. Brian Macquarrie, BostonGlobe.com, "A version of the boat that carried the Pilgrims from the Mayflower to the shore is getting a makeover," 23 June 2019 Within about 45 minutes Thursday morning, the two tankers were hit by projectiles at the waterline with sufficient force to set them on fire but not sink them. The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Iranian Tanker Attacks," 13 June 2019 After transferring the captives to a riverboat owned by Meaher’s brother, Foster burned the slaver to the waterline to hide their crime. National Geographic, "Last American slave ship is discovered in Alabama," 22 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'waterline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of waterline

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for waterline

waterline

noun

English Language Learners Definition of waterline

: the level that water reaches on the side of a ship
US : a horizontal mark on a wall or other surface that was made by water during a flood and that shows how high the water was

waterline

noun
wa·​ter·​line | \ ˈwȯ-tər-ˌlīn How to pronounce waterline (audio) , ˈwä-\

Kids Definition of waterline

: any of several lines marked on the outside of a ship that match the surface of the water when the ship floats evenly