Definition

A line that indicates the level of water on a surface, often seen on ships to show how high the water rises against the hull.

Example

The captain checked the waterline to ensure the ship was properly loaded.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the waterline on boats at the marina?

Yeah, it's interesting to see how it changes with the load they carry.

Right? It shows how much weight a boat can handle before it starts to sink.

Exactly! It's a crucial detail for keeping everything safe on the water.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Waterline → It is formed from "water" (from Old English *wæter*, meaning liquid that falls as rain or is found in rivers and lakes) and "line" (from Latin *linea*, meaning a string or thread). The word "waterline" refers to the line that marks the level of water, especially on a ship or in a body of water.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for liquid, 'wæter', and the Latin word for string, 'linea', to remember that a waterline is the line that shows where the water level is.

Visually Confused Words