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