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

Limiting that movement can lead to a host of problems, from expanding waistlines and higher blood pressure to increasing risks of chronic disease, such as diabetes.

From Science News For Students

Made of 100 percent cotton and designed with a ribbed waistline, side panels, and cuffs, it moved fluidly during exercise testing.

From Outside Online

My only complaint is that the waistline pilled after a handful of washes.

From Outside Online

The fit is athletic without feeling restrictive, and the ribbed cuffs and waistline helped it move with my body rather than riding up during burpees, cleans, and kid tosses.

From Outside Online

Our time stuck inside during this pandemic has left its mark not only on our mental health, finances and waistlines, but also on our home furnishings.

From Washington Post

After only four months of living in the city of lights, there was one thing that wasn't so bright: my waistline.

From The Daily Beast

For example, some Kaftan-inspired dresses with flowing silhouettes were paired with belts which cinched the waistline.

From The Daily Beast

She always has one too many accessories, or an unflattering waistline.

From The Daily Beast

Holidays are stressful—on your budget, your waistline, and overall wellness.

From The Daily Beast

This in defense of an Israeli government that complains about its own "narrow waistline," which is nine-miles-wide.

From The Daily Beast

Elliott, conducted through the house to a wide veranda, sank into a chair, conscious in every nerve of her own slender waistline.

From Project Gutenberg

Laura declared one morning, feeling ruefully of her waistline which she was quite certain had expanded at least two inches.

From Project Gutenberg

It was an increasing waistline that caused the Ooley-cow to look about him for some form of gentle exercise.

From Project Gutenberg

The coat fits the body snugly, and ends at the waistline except for a slight point at back and front.

From Project Gutenberg

No; the whole coat went all the way down to the waistline, sir.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• midriff