English Reference
Noun

hairline

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈhɛɹˌɫaɪn/ UK /hˈeəlaɪn/ hair·line UK spelling hairlines

n.the edge where your hair meets your forehead. It can change shape or move higher as you get older.

n.the edge or outline of the growth of hair on the head, especially across the forehead. Often used to describe the progression of male pattern baldness.


SIMPLE

He noticed his hairline was starting to recede.

CONTEXTUAL

The barber carefully trimmed the edges to create a sharp, clean hairline for the client.

COMPLEX

Genetic factors largely determine the shape of one's hairline, though environmental stressors and age can cause the follicles to thin over several decades.

Usage

Commonly modified by adjectives like 'receding', 'high', or 'widow's peak'.

Don't forget your hairline and any partings to protect your scalp.

BBC News· 30 Jul 2026

From hair + line.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated