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stretch marks
plural noun
: striae on the skin (as of the hips, abdomen, and breasts) from excessive stretching and rupture of elastic fibers especially due to pregnancy or obesity
Examples of stretch marks in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This body oil is infused with cocoa butter, which also helps fade dark spots and stretch marks.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 7 May 2024
This incredibly rich formula boasts shea butter, coconut oil, mango seed butter, avocado oil, and grape seed oil, to name a few, to seal in moisture and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
—Nikhita Mahtani, Allure, 22 Apr. 2024
Some TikTok parents-to-be also swear by Palmer’s products to moisturize their bumps and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 5 Apr. 2024
While there are several potential factors that may contribute to the appearance of stretch marks, a 2013 study suggests that stretch marks may be due to genetic factors.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024
It can also be smoothed over areas with stretch marks to minimize their appearance.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2024
The documentary’s opening shots depict Gordon swimming in outdoor pools, her body reflecting and refracting off the water as the camera’s lens wanders over stretch marks.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024
These days, stretch marks and other imperfections appear in ads and images for lingerie so often that some consumers are doubting their veracity.
—Raul A. Reyes, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2023
By supplementing with collagen peptides, pregnant women may be able to help prevent stretch marks and support healthy skin elasticity.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stretch marks.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1956, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near stretch marks
Cite this Entry
“Stretch marks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stretch%20marks. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Medical Definition
stretch marks
noun plural
: striae on the skin (as of the hips, abdomen, and breasts) from excessive stretching and rupture of elastic fibers especially due to pregnancy or obesity
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