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hemline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˈhɛmlaɪn/US/ˈhɛmˌlaɪn/

Formal / Fashion journalism

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Quick answer

What does “hemline” mean?

The line formed by the bottom edge of a skirt, dress, or coat.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The line formed by the bottom edge of a skirt, dress, or coat.

In fashion, the term also refers to the height or length of this line from the ground or a reference point on the body (e.g., knee, ankle), and is used metaphorically to indicate trends or standards in fashion or, by extension, in any shifting cultural phenomenon.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. Spelling and meaning are identical.

Connotations

Identical connotations in both varieties.

Frequency

Slightly more frequent in British fashion media, but the difference is negligible.

Grammar

How to Use “hemline” in a Sentence

[determiner] + hemline + [of + garment][adjective] + hemlineverb + [determiner] + hemline

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
rising hemlinesfalling hemlineshemline lengthskirt hemlinedress hemline
medium
adjust the hemlineuneven hemlinehemline heightdetermine the hemline
weak
short hemlinelong hemlineclassic hemlinemodern hemline

Examples

Examples of “hemline” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • She decided to hemline the skirt just above the knee.

American English

  • The tailor will hemline the coat to the requested length.

adverb

British English

  • The skirt hung hemline straight.

American English

  • The dress was cut hemline high.

adjective

British English

  • The hemline detail was intricate.

American English

  • She preferred a hemline alteration that was subtle.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used metaphorically in economics/business journalism: 'The hemline index suggests consumer confidence is rising.'

Academic

Rare; used in historical or cultural studies analysing fashion trends.

Everyday

Common when discussing clothing alterations or fashion: 'I need to fix the hemline on this dress.'

Technical

Specific term in tailoring, dressmaking, and fashion design.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “hemline”

Strong

skirt lengthdress length

Neutral

borderedgebottom edge

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “hemline”

necklinewaistlineshoulder line

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “hemline”

  • Confusing 'hemline' with 'seam'. A seam joins pieces; a hemline is the finished bottom edge.
  • Using plural 'hemlines' to refer to multiple garments: 'The hemlines of the dresses' is correct, but 'She adjusted the hemlines' for one dress is incorrect.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Primarily, yes, but it can technically apply to the bottom edge of any garment with a hem, including some men's robes or coats.

'Hem' refers to the folded and sewn edge itself. 'Hemline' refers to the line or level that this hem creates.

It is very rare and non-standard as a verb. The correct verb is 'to hem'.

A humorous economic theory suggesting that skirt lengths rise (become shorter) during good economic times and fall (become longer) during recessions.

The line formed by the bottom edge of a skirt, dress, or coat.

Hemline is usually formal / fashion journalism in register.

Hemline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛmlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛmˌlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Hemlines are rising/falling (a fashion or economic indicator).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'HEM' (the sewn edge) + 'LINE' (the shape it creates) = HEMLINE.

Conceptual Metaphor

FASHION TRENDS ARE VERTICAL MOVEMENTS (e.g., 'hemlines are rising this season').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
After the fitting, the stylist decided the dress needed a higher .
Multiple Choice

In fashion journalism, the phrase 'hemlines are rising' typically signifies what?

hemline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore