water line

or wa·ter·line

[ waw-ter lahyn, ]

noun

1. Nautical. the part of the outside of a ship's hull that is just at the water level.
2. 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. Compare load line, Plimsoll line.
3. the line in which water at its surface borders upon a floating body.
4. water level ( def 2 ).
5. 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.

6. a pipe, hose, tube, or other line for conveying water.
7. 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.

water line

noun

1. a line marked at the level around a vessel's hull to which the vessel will be immersed when afloat
2. a line marking the level reached by a body of water

Word History and Origins

Origin of water line¹

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

Four counties in southwestern Virginia are working together to install dozens of miles of water lines.

From Salon

He plans to trim the vegetation around his home and install a new water line that can bring in more water to his property.

From Los Angeles Times

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles says the water lines to four Watts housing complexes — Jordan Downs, Nickerson Gardens, Imperial Courts and Gonzaque Village — are made of galvanized steel or copper.

From Los Angeles Times

There was no information immediately available about what caused the issue with the water line, said a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power spokesperson.

From Los Angeles Times

The project will clean and treat municipal wastewater so it can be added back to the city’s reservoirs, aquifers and municipal water lines for reuse.

From Los Angeles Times