waist

noun

\ ˈwāst

Definition of waist

1a : the typically narrowed part of the body between the hips and chest or upper back put his arm around her waist

b : the greatly constricted basal part of the abdomen of some insects (such as wasps and flies)

2 : the part of something corresponding to or resembling the human waist: such 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 sense 1

b : blouse

4 : waistline sense 1b

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Examples of waist in a Sentence

He has a narrow waist and broad shoulders. He put his arm around her waist. These pants have an elastic waist. The waist of this skirt is too tight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, the road peters out into the pier and the sea, where boys wade up to their waists, casting lines into the lazy surf. — Horatio Clare, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why You Should Go to Belize Now," 21 Dec. 2018 The voluminous strapless number consisted of a blush pink bustier, olive sash at the waist, and silver full skirt. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "These Swedish Princesses Showed Off Epic Royal Style at the Nobel Prize Ceremony," 10 Dec. 2018 The truly adventurous can take the longer option, which involves exploring the stalagmites at closer range, with water up to the waist, in knee guards and head lamps. — Kaitlin Menza, Town & Country, "The Best Things to Do, Eat, and See in Barbados," 15 Nov. 2018 At the top, Visich insisted on taking a picture where, despite the altitude and snow, the men stripped to the waist, and the women wore bright sports bras. — Ben Guarino, The Verge, "An academic reported sexual harassment. Her university allegedly retaliated," 12 Nov. 2018 To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that Cop Kendall's style with these khaki pants, complete with tie-front paper bag waist, from H&M for less than $40! — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "Kendall Jenner Wore Paper Bag Pants and a Tee in Los Angeles," 17 Oct. 2018 Turner wore a velvet black shirt with a gold design and a tie-front waist, a gray miniskirt, black leather thigh-high boots, and a gray handbag. — Andrea Park, Glamour, "Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Just Made Their Red Carpet Debut as a Couple," 3 Oct. 2018 For anyone else in need of a reminder: Krauthammer, who died of cancer on Thursday at 68, was paralyzed from the waist down in a diving accident in 1972. — Callum Borchers, Washington Post, "Charles Krauthammer inspired journalists with disabilities, including me," 21 June 2018 Demi is known for her glossy brunette mane, which over the years she's styled in a chin skimming bob, waist-grazing extensions and every length in between. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "Demi Lovato Debuts New Summer Blonde Hair Color," 18 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'waist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.