waistline

American  

[weyst-lahyn] / ˈweɪstˌlaɪn /

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.

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waistline British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of waistline

First recorded in 1895–1900; waist + line ¹

Example Sentences

Hamilton said her shrinking waistline is driven by an overall desire to be healthier, and while it has made dress shopping more complicated, it hasn’t taken away from the excitement of the hunt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2025

In the study, however, gum chewers did not eat less, were no less likely to be overweight or did not have a slimmer waistline.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2024

His waistline is comfortably ensconced within his suit, and his customary red tie dangles loosely over a conspicuously absent gut.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2024

Her dress hung on her thin frame, her hip bones protruding at the belted waistline.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

Related Words

• midriff