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

We readily accepted that covering midriffs and visiting a tailor were office requirements.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the camera zoomed in, Anastacia strutted down the staircase, her hair in pigtails under a candy striped bucket hat, her midriff exposed by a crop top, in accordance with 1990s pop regulations.

From BBC

It could apparently change the shape of my face, add pounds to my midriff, and even make my hair fall out.

From BBC

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

I wouldn’t say I look like those lithe young women who surround me there — most are so young that I could be their mother — but a taut core has developed beneath my midriff bulge.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belly
• gut
• midsection
• tummy