waist

American  

[weyst] / weɪst /

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.

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.

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waist British  

/ 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 called: centre section.  the middle section of an aircraft fuselage

6. the constriction between the thorax and abdomen in wasps and similar insects

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Other Word Forms

• waistless adjective

Etymology

Origin of waist

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

Example Sentences

Her long blond hair reached her waist, and she wore a dress and coat in matching red velvet.

From Literature

He opens his lightweight jacket to reveal a modified tool belt around his waist.

From Literature

She’s got long blond hair that goes all the way down to her sturdy, thick waist, and a very pretty face that’s been weathered by the sun.

From Literature

It’s low tide, and the water reaches up to our waists.

From Literature

Mari hugged him around the chest, while Hannah got him around the waist, and they wouldn’t peel off.

From Literature

Related Words

• midriff
• waistline