waistline

noun

waist·​line ˈwāst-ˌlīn 

1

a

: an arbitrary line encircling the narrowest part of the waist

b

: the part of a garment that covers the waistline or may be above or below it as fashion dictates

2

: body circumference at the waist

Synonyms

• middle
• midriff
• midsection
• waist

Examples of waistline in a Sentence

The diet claims it will reduce your waistline in just four weeks.

The dress has a small waistline and a full skirt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Funded by a President’s Diversity Grant for research, Dunn measured and interviewed 300 people with a waistline of 34 inches and above. —Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

This popular pair by Lee has a high waistline that’s fitted at the top, then flows out into comfortable loose legs. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 14 May 2025

There are almost no fashion trends without some historical precedence, especially one as basic as a waistline style. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

These Gym People leggings have a high waistline that conceals the midsection, a four-way stretch and moisture-wicking material, and side pockets—plus an interior pocket to hold your phone or ID. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for waistline

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

waistline

noun

waist·​line ˈwāst-ˌlīn 

1

a

: waist sense 1a

b

: body circumference at the waist

2

: the part of a garment surrounding the waist

Medical Definition

waistline

noun

waist·​line ˈwāst-ˌlīn 

: body circumference at the waist