stretchmarks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Medical
Quick answer
What does “stretchmarks” mean?
Long, narrow scars or lines on the skin caused by the skin being stretched rapidly, often due to pregnancy, growth spurts, or weight change.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Long, narrow scars or lines on the skin caused by the skin being stretched rapidly, often due to pregnancy, growth spurts, or weight change.
A term in dermatology for striae distensae; can be used metaphorically to refer to lasting signs of strain or rapid expansion in non-physical contexts (e.g., an organization growing too quickly).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Stretch marks' (two words) is more common in formal writing in both varieties. The one-word variant appears in both, often in product marketing or informal contexts.
Connotations
Neutral medical/factual term in both, but often carries personal/body-image connotations in everyday use.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. Searches in corpora show near-identical frequency relative to population.
Grammar
How to Use “stretchmarks” in a Sentence
have + stretchmarksdevelop + stretchmarkssee + stretchmarksbe covered in + stretchmarksVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stretchmarks” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her skin began to stretchmark during her second trimester.
- (Note: Extremely rare/non-standard as a verb. Standard phrasing: 'to develop stretchmarks'.)
American English
- Her skin started to stretchmark when she gained weight quickly.
- (Note: Extremely rare/non-standard as a verb. Standard phrasing: 'to get stretchmarks'.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Possible but highly non-standard: 'Her skin scarred stretchmarkly.')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Possible but highly non-standard: 'The skin tore almost stretchmarkly.')
adjective
British English
- She bought a stretchmark cream from the chemist.
- The stretchmark prevalence was high in the study group.
American English
- She bought a stretchmark cream from the drugstore.
- The stretchmark treatment is covered by some insurance plans.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potential metaphorical use: 'The rapid expansion left financial stretchmarks on the company.'
Academic
Common in dermatology, obstetrics, and human biology papers. Term: 'striae distensae' is more formal.
Everyday
Very common in personal contexts, beauty, health, and parenting discussions.
Technical
Used in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Specific types: striae rubra (red), striae alba (white).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stretchmarks”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stretchmarks”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stretchmarks”
- Using a singular form 'a stretchmark' is uncommon; almost always plural.
- Misspelling as 'streatchmarks'.
- Confusing with 'cellulite', which is dimpled fat, not linear scars.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are a form of scarring. However, they often fade from red/purple to a silvery-white over time and become less noticeable.
Absolutely. Men commonly get them from rapid muscle growth (e.g., bodybuilding), growth spurts during puberty, or significant weight gain.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Stretch marks' (two words) is the standard orthographic form found in dictionaries. 'Stretchmarks' (one word) is a common compound variant used informally and in commercial contexts.
Most over-the-counter creams cannot remove stretchmarks, as they are scars in the deeper dermis. Some may help improve skin elasticity or hydration, potentially reducing severity if used early. Professional treatments like laser therapy are more effective at reducing their appearance.
Long, narrow scars or lines on the skin caused by the skin being stretched rapidly, often due to pregnancy, growth spurts, or weight change.
Stretchmarks is usually informal, medical in register.
Stretchmarks: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɛtʃˌmɑːks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɛtʃˌmɑːrks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly for 'stretchmarks'. Metaphorically: 'the stretchmarks of rapid growth' on a project.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the skin STRETCHing so fast it leaves a MARK. STRETCH + MARKS = STRETCHMARKS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A RECORD OF EVENTS (Stretchmarks are a physical 'record' or 'map' of past growth or change).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'striae distensae' most likely to be used instead of 'stretchmarks'?