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
Original EveryWear Zero Waistband Micro Flare Jeans Designed to hug your curves and shape your waist, the Zero Waistband Micro Flare Jeans have a flare leg and a high waist that elongates the legs.
—
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
In another clip, the person walks up to the home, head down, wearing a dark zip-up jacket, light pants, a backpack, and what appears to be a weapon in a holster hanging around their waist.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
But while the Penny Lane tends to be longer, usually falling to at least the knee and often mid-calf, Jenner’s jacket crops at the waist.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
Bella wrapped hers around her waist.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for waist
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Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
In another clip, the person walks up to the home, head down, wearing a dark zip-up jacket, light pants, a backpack, and what appears to be a weapon in a holster hanging around their waist.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
But while the Penny Lane tends to be longer, usually falling to at least the knee and often mid-calf, Jenner’s jacket crops at the waist.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
Bella wrapped hers around her waist.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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