Definition

1. Noun:
   • A line marking the level reached by a body of water: A visible mark or indicator left on a shore, structure, or object showing the highest or most recent point to which water has risen.
   • A line corresponding to the surface of the water when a vessel is afloat on an even keel; often painted on the hull of a ship: A specific, usually painted, line on a ship's hull that indicates the intended water surface level when the ship is properly loaded and balanced.

Usage Examples

• Noun (marking a water level):

  • After the flood receded, a distinct water line was visible on the walls of the buildings.
  • The high water line on the pier posts shows how much the tide varies.

• Noun (on a ship's hull):

  • The ship was loaded until its cargo reached the painted water line.
  • Before painting, the crew carefully measured and marked the new water line on the hull.

Advanced Usage

• "Load line" or "Plimsoll line": A specific, legally mandated type of water line on a ship's hull, marked with a circle and lines to indicate safe loading limits under different conditions.
  • The ship's captain ensured the cargo did not submerge the Plimsoll line, which is the official water line for safety.

Variants and Related Words

• Waterline (noun): A common alternative spelling as a single word for "water line".
  • The yacht's sleek design is evident above the waterline.
• Water-level (noun/adjective): Can refer to the actual height of a water surface or a tool for determining a horizontal line.
  • The water-level in the reservoir is dangerously low.

Synonyms

• Watermark: A faint design or mark in paper, or a line showing a water level (though more commonly for paper or historical flood marks).
• Load line: Specifically for ships.
• Tide mark: Specifically for a line left by tidal water.

Related Phrases

• "To be down by the water line": A nautical phrase describing a ship that is lower in the water than intended, often due to taking on water or being overloaded.
  • The damaged vessel was down by the water line and in danger of sinking.

Related Idioms

• "The water line of truth": A metaphorical idiom (less common) referring to a fundamental, baseline level of truth or fact.
  • His testimony finally brought the investigation down to the water line of truth.

Noun

1. a line marking the level reached by a body of water
2. a line corresponding to the surface of the water when the vessel is afloat on an even keel; often painted on the hull of a ship