waist

[ weyst ]

noun

1. the part of the body in humans between the ribs and the hips, usually the narrowest part of the torso.
2. the part of a garment covering this part of the body.
3. blouse ( def 1 ).
4. the part of a one-piece garment covering the body from the neck or shoulders more or less to the waistline, especially this part of a woman's or child's garment.
5. a child's undergarment to which other articles of apparel may be attached.
6. the part of an object, especially a central or middle part, that resembles or is analogous to the human waist:

   the waist of a violin.

7. Nautical. the central part of a ship; that part of the deck between the forecastle and the quarterdeck.
8. the constricted portion of the abdomen of certain insects, as a wasp.

waist

/ weɪst /

noun

1. anatomy the constricted part of the trunk between the ribs and hips
2. the part of a garment covering the waist
3. the middle part of an object that resembles the waist in narrowness or position
4. the middle part of a ship
5. Also calledcentre section the middle section of an aircraft fuselage
6. the constriction between the thorax and abdomen in wasps and similar insects

Derived Forms

• ˈwaistless, adjective

Other Words From

• waistless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of waist¹

1300–50; Middle English wast, apocopated variant of wastum, Old English wæstm growth, form, figure; akin to wax ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of waist¹

C14: origin uncertain; related to Old English wæstm wax ²

Example Sentences

It saw Jones move her dance partner's hand from her waist following heightened scrutiny of the long-running series.

From BBC

Musk reposted an artist’s depiction in which he, muscle-bound and stripped to the waist, resembles the Hulk carrying an American flag.

From Los Angeles Times

DiGiorgio appeared in court handcuffed, his chest bare and his jail jumpsuit pulled down to his waist.

From Los Angeles Times

“He even held her by the waist while watching a movie during the flight.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gonzales was part of a group of seven family members that included his aunt Debbie Villescas, 69, whose lucky device was the light blue Dodgers sweater she wrapped around her waist Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• midriff
• waistline