midriff

American  

[mid-rif] / ˈmɪd rɪf /

noun

1. diaphragm.

2. the middle part of the body, between the chest and the waist.

3. the part of a dress or bodice, usually close-fitting, that covers this part of the body.

4. a garment that exposes this part of the body.

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adjective

1. noting or pertaining to the middle part of the human body, the part of a garment that covers it, or a garment that exposes it.

midriff British  

/ ˈmɪdrɪf /

noun

1. 1. the middle part of the human body, esp between waist and bust

   2. ( as modifier )

      midriff bulge

2. anatomy another name for the diaphragm

3. the part of a woman's garment covering the midriff

4. a woman's garment which exposes the midriff

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Etymology

Origin of midriff

before 1000; Middle English mydryf, Old English midhrif, equivalent to mid ( d ) mid ¹ + hrif belly

Explanation

Your midriff is your belly. Wearing a shirt that shows off your midriff might be banned at your school. The center of your body's front side, generally the area under your ribcage and above your waist or hips, can be called the midriff. This noun is sometimes used as a substitute for belly or waist, especially when someone is wearing clothes that deliberately expose this area. Your bikini reveals your midriff, but your winter coat covers your midriff. In Old English, the word was midhrif, from hrif, "belly."

Example Sentences

Wearing a black-and-white ensemble that bares her midriff, she tucks her feet under her and treats our chat like a gab session.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

Each picture is composed just so, to accentuate her best features: the long, swanlike neck; the well-toned midriff; the high, strong shoulders; the ramrod posture; and—this feels new—the gaunt cheeks and picture-perfect jawline.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2024

That rhythmically rattling bank of equipment to your left, whose component parts look as if they were pulled from the midriff of C-3PO?

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2024

Our photographer captured their looks: toasty puffer jackets, a floral duster coat and one exposed midriff.

From New York Times • Jan. 18, 2024

Next second all the wind had been knocked out of him as the squealing elf hit him hard in the midriff, hugging him so tightly he thought his ribs would break.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Related Words

• belly
• gut
• midsection
• tummy