waist

[ weyst ]

noun

1. the part of the body in humans between the ribs and the hips, usually the narrowest part of the torso.
2. the part of a garment covering this part of the body.
3. blouse ( def 1 ).
4. the part of a one-piece garment covering the body from the neck or shoulders more or less to the waistline, especially this part of a woman's or child's garment.
5. a child's undergarment to which other articles of apparel may be attached.
6. the part of an object, especially a central or middle part, that resembles or is analogous to the human waist:

   the waist of a violin.

7. Nautical. the central part of a ship; that part of the deck between the forecastle and the quarterdeck.
8. the constricted portion of the abdomen of certain insects, as a wasp.

waist

/ weɪst /

noun

1. anatomy the constricted part of the trunk between the ribs and hips
2. the part of a garment covering the waist
3. the middle part of an object that resembles the waist in narrowness or position
4. the middle part of a ship
5. Also calledcentre section the middle section of an aircraft fuselage
6. the constriction between the thorax and abdomen in wasps and similar insects

Derived Forms

• ˈwaistless, adjective

Other Words From

• waistless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of waist¹

1300–50; Middle English wast, apocopated variant of wastum, Old English wæstm growth, form, figure; akin to wax ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of waist¹

C14: origin uncertain; related to Old English wæstm wax ²

Example Sentences

She is wearing a crop top, and Andrew has his arm wrapped around her waist.

From The Daily Beast

He was paralyzed from the waist down, a World War II veteran and had six weeks to live.

From The Daily Beast

The coat, with fitted bodice, nipped-in waist, and full skirt, created a familiar silhouette for Kate.

From The Daily Beast

Another model, covered from head to waist in white flowers, danced.

From The Daily Beast

A naked dancer held a towel around his waist as he slicks back his hair in the ladies toilets.

From The Daily Beast

His boyish suspenders had been put away in favor of a belt, which was tight-drawn about his slim waist.

From Project Gutenberg

He stood aside, and bending from the waist he made a sweeping gesture towards the door with the hand that held his hat.

From Project Gutenberg

On his loins was a lion of great fierceness, and coiled round his waist was a hissing mamba (snake).

From Project Gutenberg

A pair of thin trousers and a shirt hanging down outside instead of being tucked in at the waist, and his toilet is made.

From Project Gutenberg

The waist, now less pinched in at the middle, looked longer without being really so.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• midriff
• waistline