Main Entry: waist

Pronunciation: \ˈwāst\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English wast; probably akin to Old English wæstm growth, weaxan to grow — more at wax

Date: 14th century

1 a : the typically narrowed part of the body between the thorax and hips b : the greatly constricted basal part of the abdomen of some insects (as wasps and flies)
2 : the part of something corresponding to or resembling the human waist: as a (1) : the part of a ship's deck between the poop and forecastle (2) : the middle part of a sailing ship between foremast and mainmast b : the middle section of the fuselage of an airplane
3 : a garment or the part of a garment covering the body from the neck to the waistline or just below: a : bodice 1 b : blouse
4 : waistline 1b

— waist·ed \ˈwā-stəd\ adjective