stretch mark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Colloquial to neutral. Common in everyday speech, healthcare, beauty, and lifestyle contexts.
Quick answer
What does “stretch mark” mean?
A visible line, streak, or ridge on the skin, especially on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks, caused by the skin stretching and the elastic fibers breaking, often as a result of rapid growth, pregnancy, or weight change.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A visible line, streak, or ridge on the skin, especially on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks, caused by the skin stretching and the elastic fibers breaking, often as a result of rapid growth, pregnancy, or weight change.
A visible, permanent sign or scar of a period of rapid physical change, tension, or strain. Figuratively, can refer to any evidence of being pushed beyond normal limits, such as budgetary 'stretch marks' from over-spending.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is identical in spelling and primary meaning. Minor differences may exist in related vocabulary (e.g., 'plaster' vs. 'band-aid' for other skin topics) but not for the core term.
Connotations
Connotations are culturally similar, tied to beauty standards and discussions of post-pregnancy bodies or weight fluctuations.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “stretch mark” in a Sentence
have stretch marksget stretch marksdevelop stretch markssee stretch marksVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stretch mark” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She uses a specialist stretch-mark cream.
American English
- She bought a stretch-mark prevention lotion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typical. Rarely used in business; if used, it's metaphorical (e.g., 'The project budget shows stretch marks from unexpected costs').
Academic
Used in medical, dermatological, and nursing literature with precise anatomical and physiological descriptions.
Everyday
Very common in conversations about health, pregnancy, fitness, weight loss/gain, and beauty products.
Technical
Used in dermatology, obstetrics, and cosmetic medicine. The technical term is 'striae' or 'striae distensae'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stretch mark”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stretch mark”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stretch mark”
- Misspelling as 'streatch mark' or 'stretching mark'. Using it as a verb, e.g., 'My skin stretch-marked' (incorrect; correct: 'I developed stretch marks').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. Men commonly develop stretch marks during puberty due to growth spurts, or from rapid muscle gain or weight fluctuation.
They fade significantly over time, often turning from red/purple to a silvery-white colour that is closer to your skin tone, but they rarely vanish completely without treatment.
Not necessarily. They are primarily a sign of the skin being stretched rapidly, which is common in healthy processes like pregnancy and adolescent growth. However, sudden, unexplained stretch marks can sometimes indicate underlying hormonal issues.
Striae rubra are new, red or purple stretch marks, indicating recent formation and potential inflammation. Striae alba are older, mature stretch marks that have faded to a white or silvery colour.
A visible line, streak, or ridge on the skin, especially on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks, caused by the skin stretching and the elastic fibers breaking, often as a result of rapid growth, pregnancy, or weight change.
Stretch mark is usually colloquial to neutral. common in everyday speech, healthcare, beauty, and lifestyle contexts. in register.
Stretch mark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɛtʃ ˌmɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɛtʃ ˌmɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A roadmap of motherhood (informal, metaphorical reference to post-pregnancy stretch marks)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a rubber band being STRETCHED too far - it develops little lines or marks. Your skin does the same during rapid growth.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MAP / EVIDENCE OF CHANGE IS A MARK OR SCAR.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most specific medical term for stretch marks?