a-line
C1/C2Fashion, descriptive, moderately formal
Definition
Meaning
An adjective describing a dress, skirt, or coat that is fitted at the shoulders and then gradually widens toward the hem, forming a shape like the letter A.
Can also describe any item or silhouette (e.g., a haircut) that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, creating an A shape.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used attributively (e.g., 'an A-line dress'). It is a style descriptor, not a functional category.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent with a hyphen.
Connotations
Connotes classic, elegant, flattering fashion; sometimes associated with 1960s mod style.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US fashion contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] + A-line[be] + an A-line + nounVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail, marketing, and design discussions (e.g., 'Our autumn collection features several A-line options.').
Academic
Rare outside historical or cultural studies of fashion.
Everyday
Common in clothing descriptions while shopping or discussing personal style.
Technical
Precise term in fashion design, pattern cutting, and tailoring.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She chose a classic wool A-line coat for the wedding.
- The A-line cut is very forgiving on most figures.
American English
- This vintage A-line dress is from the 1960s.
- I prefer an A-line skirt for a more professional look.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like her blue A-line dress.
- This skirt is A-line.
- She bought an A-line coat because it suits her shape.
- A-line dresses were very popular in the past.
- The designer's new collection prominently features the A-line silhouette, updated with modern fabrics.
- An A-line cut can help balance wider hips.
- While the sheath dress dominated the early 60s, it was the A-line, pioneered by designers like Dior, that came to symbolise the era's shift towards youthful, geometric fashion.
- The architect applied an A-line principle to the building's façade, creating a visually stable, grounded effect.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the capital letter A: narrow at the top (shoulders), flaring out to a wide bottom (hem).
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE IS A LETTER (The silhouette maps onto the form of the letter A).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'aline' (to align).
- Avoid direct translation like 'А-линия' without context; better to use descriptive phrase 'платье-трапеция' or 'расширяющийся к низу'.
Common Mistakes
- Writing 'aline' without the hyphen.
- Using it to describe any dress, not specifically the A-shape.
- Mispronouncing as /ə.laɪn/ instead of /ˈeɪ.laɪn/.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes an 'A-line' garment?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can describe coats, jackets, and even hairstyles that share the same narrow-top, wide-bottom shape.
Both are A-shaped, but 'trapeze' often implies a more dramatic flare from a dropped shoulder or yoke, sometimes with less waist definition.
Pronounce it as 'AY-line' (/ˈeɪ.laɪn/), with the stress on the first syllable, which sounds like the letter 'A'.
In standard usage, especially as an adjective before a noun (e.g., A-line dress), the hyphen is correct. It may be omitted in very informal contexts, but it's best to keep it.