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

Flowing dresses bared backs and midriffs, but could be covered with patchwork leather jackets with star motifs as the sun goes down.

From Seattle Times

Medically she is classified as obese, with much of the excess weight accumulating on her once-flat midriff.

From Salon

In the music video for "Solar Power," the singer dons a long yellow skirt and matching crop top that reveals her midriff as she dances and soaks up some sun on the beach with friends.

From Fox News

However, he succeeded only in hitting Wood in the midriff and the ball bounced into an empty net for the softest of levellers.

From BBC

Even Emilia Wickstead, one of the royals’ favorite dressmakers, whose clothes can get cloyingly “appropriate,” went a little subversive this time by chopping out the midriffs of garden-party frocks.

From New York Times

Related Words

• belly
• gut
• midsection
• tummy