waist

noun

ˈwāst 

1

a

: the typically narrowed part of the body between the hips and chest or upper back

put his arm around her waist

b

: the greatly constricted basal part of the abdomen of some insects (such as wasps and flies)

2

: the part of something corresponding to or resembling the human waist: such as

a(1)

: the part of a ship's deck between the poop and forecastle

(2)

: the middle part of a sailing ship between foremast and mainmast

b

: the middle section of the fuselage of an airplane

3

: a garment or the part of a garment covering the body from the neck to the waistline or just below:

a

: bodice sense 1

b

: blouse

4

: waistline sense 1b

waisted

ˈwā-stəd 

adjective

Synonyms

• middle
• midriff
• midsection
• waistline

Examples of waist in a Sentence

He has a narrow waist and broad shoulders.

He put his arm around her waist.

These pants have an elastic waist.

The waist of this skirt is too tight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Three feet past the finish line, the runner bent at the waist, hands on her knees, exhausted but grateful to be finished. —Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 5 Nov. 2024

Featuring an internal corset and a bow tied at the waist, Roan’s second ensemble nodded to bridal gowns of the 1950s and ’60s. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024

The midi gown also featured ruching details around the waist and bodice. —Chiara Kim, People.com, 3 Nov. 2024

The Classic Cardigan in Cashmere $178 Everlane This classic 100% cashmere cardigan from one of our favorite brands for basics has a relaxed fit with a slight crop that hits just at the waist. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wast; probably akin to Old English wæstm growth, weaxan to grow — more at wax

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing waist

• strip to the waist
• waist-high
• wasp waist

Kids Definition

waist

noun

ˈwāst 

1

a

: the usually narrowed part of the body between the chest and hips

b

: the narrow front part of the abdomen of some insects (as a wasp)

2

: the central portion of something that is usually thinner or narrower than the ends

the waist of a ship

the waist of a violin

3

: a garment or the part of a garment that covers the body from the neck to the waist

waisted

ˈwā-stəd 

adjective

Medical Definition

waist

noun

ˈwāst 

: the typically narrowed part of the body between the thorax and hips