waistline

[weyst-lahyn]

noun

1. the circumference of the body at the waist.

   exercises to reduce the waistline.

2. the part of a garment that lies at or near the natural waistline, as the seam where the skirt and bodice of a dress are joined.

3. an imaginary line encircling the waist.

waistline

/ ˈweɪstˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a line or indentation around the body at the narrowest part of the waist

2. the intersection of the bodice and the skirt of a dress, etc, or the level of this

   a low waistline

Word History and Origins

Origin of waistline¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; waist + line ¹

Example Sentences

Hegseth took aim at the packed room’s waistlines, proclaiming that he no longer wanted to see “fat generals and admirals,” or overweight troops.

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In Hawaii, they started by taking him off medication and getting his waistline down.

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He’s flashy yet tough, he’s wise yet youthful, he’s one of the five best players in the league who suddenly became expendable because of his big contract and expanding waistline.

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The drugs are not a magic bullet for obesity, but after decades of expanding waistlines, they offer hope to millions.

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But waistlines aside, her reunion with Leigh, whom she first worked with on 1996's Secrets & Lies, has prompted some of the most positive reviews of her career.

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Related Words

• midriff