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

After all, the search for a solution to expanding waistlines has eluded successive governments since the early 1990s.

From BBC

A waitress told The Times that the cook in charge of the Italian beef sandwiches being served was trained at Portillo’s, the Chicago-based restaurant chain responsible for many of the expanded waistlines in the city.

From Los Angeles Times

He calls his opponents "crooked," "sleepy," "racist" and mocks their waistlines.

From Salon

Fury simply laughs at the speculation, trusting his own training and strength to power through any challenge, no matter the measure of his waistline.

From Seattle Times

In addition to reporting on their oral health, participants were also asked questions about their diet, weight and waist circumference – the size of their waistline.

From Salon

Related Words

• midriff