midriff

[mid-rif]

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.

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of midriff¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of midriff¹

Old English midhrif, from _mid ¹ + hrif belly

Example Sentences

As the camera zoomed in, Anastacia strutted down the staircase, her hair in pigtails under a candy striped bucket hat, her midriff exposed by a crop top, in accordance with 1990s pop regulations.

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It could apparently change the shape of my face, add pounds to my midriff, and even make my hair fall out.

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Daily Mail in July published photos of the “Wolf of Wall Street” and “Bombshell” actor wearing a midriff top that exposed her baby bump as she and Ackerley boarded a boat in Lake Como, Italy.

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I wouldn’t say I look like those lithe young women who surround me there — most are so young that I could be their mother — but a taut core has developed beneath my midriff bulge.

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In another she wears a mini-dress with clear vinyl stripes that expose bits of her midriff and thigh.

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Related Words

• belly 
• gut 
• midsection 
• tummy