1
a
: 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
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
Letizia paired the sandals with & Other Stories’ cotton midi wrap dress in red, cut with a crossover neckline, short wide sleeves and a self-tie belt at the waist, with soft gathers through the bodice and skirt.
—
Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
When the play ends, as Kris Jenkins bends over a bit at the waist to watch his work of art swish its way into history, Mikal Bridges dashes onto the court and Josh Hart full scale piggy backs onto Phil Booth.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
The pintuck detailing and delicate white trim at the waist add a fashion-forward touch, and so does the side button closure.
—Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
In January, the military implemented a strict waist-to-height body composition ratio, regardless of a troop’s particular role.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for waist
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Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
When the play ends, as Kris Jenkins bends over a bit at the waist to watch his work of art swish its way into history, Mikal Bridges dashes onto the court and Josh Hart full scale piggy backs onto Phil Booth.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
The pintuck detailing and delicate white trim at the waist add a fashion-forward touch, and so does the side button closure.
—Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
In January, the military implemented a strict waist-to-height body composition ratio, regardless of a troop’s particular role.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for waist
Cite this Entry
“Waist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waist. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
waist
noun1
a
: the usually narrowed part of the body between the chest and hips
b
: the narrow front part of the abdomen of some insects (as a wasp)
2
: the central portion of something that is usually thinner or narrower than the ends
the waist of a ship
the waist of a violin
3
: a garment or the part of a garment that covers the body from the neck to the waist
Medical Definition
waist
noun
: the typically narrowed part of the body between the thorax and hips
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