waist

noun

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\ 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

Other Words from waist Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing waist Learn More About waist

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 If you’re invited to a similar do, a dress like this—cotton but intriguingly pattern-blocked, ruffled and with a lace waist—can straddle the worlds of formal and fun. — Jessica Iredale, WSJ, 14 May 2022 Look for flourishes like halter necklines and waist-defining cutouts to fit the Tulum (or Ibiza, or St. Lucia) dress code. — Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 May 2022 Phillips is wearing a faja, a waist-trainer-like garment worn to compress the midsection and lift the buttocks. — New York Times, 11 May 2022 There are two flutter-sleeve one-piece designs, two square-neck bikini tops, and two high-waist, moderate-coverage bikini bottoms. — Alexis Bennett, Vogue, 11 May 2022 The brand offers most denim in waist sizes up to 42 inches and one option up to 48 inches. — Olivia O'bryon, Forbes, 8 May 2022 The waist was cinched with an orange belt and pieces of fabric were caught in bunches around the front of the bodice, creating more columns in the design. — Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 8 May 2022 The texture of your skin, and the warm, the hard, smooth bodies against the ones that are fighting to get a waist again. — Natasha Pearlman, Glamour, 6 May 2022 The soft sleeveless dress features a scoop neck, two roomy pockets, and an elastic waist. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE.com, 4 May 2022 See More

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.