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

The evidence suggests that it will help with my waistline and my weight so I'll put up with the sour taste for a while longer.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 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

In his 2019 memoir “Wham! George & Me,” Ridgeley recalled pre-fame Michael as “broccoli-haired … with a muffin-top waistline and a wardrobe full of questionable outfits.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2023

Some families sewed gold and jewelry into the linings of their bras, the waistline of pants, in sleeves, behind buttons, or in underwear.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

Related Words

• midriff