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

Example Sentences

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2024

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

This time around, his runway included men, one walking in a short, strapless gold corset jumpsuit and another in a black tutu skirt with a midriff tuxedo jacket.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

Usyk stood up and lifted his shirt, showing his midriff and pointing to where he felt the shot landed.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2023

Emily drew her niece toward her midriff and stroked her head.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• belly
• gut
• midsection
• tummy