load line

noun

, Nautical.

1. Also called Plimsoll line. any of various lines marked on the sides of a cargo vessel to indicate the depth to which a vessel may be immersed under certain conditions. Compare freeboard ( def 1a ).
2. the line made by the surface of the water on the hull of a loaded ship.

load line

noun

1. nautical a pattern of lines painted on the hull of a ship, approximately midway between the bow and the stern, indicating the various levels that the waterline should reach if the ship is properly loaded under given circumstances

Word History and Origins

Origin of load line¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

During that period, its load line - which indicates the depth to which it can be safely loaded with cargo - sinks to water-level, indicating it has taken on a heavy load.

From Reuters

Its load line was visibly lower than on March 14 when it was photographed going the other way, toward Russia.

From Reuters

“What we can do is to see the load line is not submerged,” he said.

From Time

All overhead discharge from the circulating pumps, ballast pumps, bilge pumps, etc., were below the deep load line, but above the light line.

From Project Gutenberg

It’s that patent fuel and her new load line.”

From Project Gutenberg