Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

waistline

noun waist·line \ ˈwāst-ˌlīn \
|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of waistline

1 a : an arbitrary line encircling the narrowest part of the waist
b : the part of a garment that covers the waistline or may be above or below it as fashion dictates
2 : body circumference at the waist

See waistline defined for English-language learners

See waistline defined for kids

Examples of waistline in a Sentence

  1. The diet claims it will reduce your waistline in just four weeks.

  2. The dress has a small waistline and a full skirt.

Recent Examples of waistline from the Web

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

First Known Use of waistline

1857

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

waistline Synonyms

Synonyms

middle, midriff, midsection, waist;

Related Words

trunk;

abdomen, belly, gut, stomach;

WAISTLINE Defined for English Language Learners

waistline

noun

Definition of waistline for English Language Learners

  • : the distance around the narrowest part of your waist

  • : the part of a piece of clothing that covers your waist

Medical Dictionary

waistline

noun waist·line \ ˈwāst-ˌlīn \

medical Definition of waistline

: body circumference at the waist

Learn More about waistline

  1. See words that rhyme with waistline Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for waistline Spanish Central: Translation of waistline Nglish: Translation of waistline for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up waistline? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

volatile

play

subject to rapid or unexpected change

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  2. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  3. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  4. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

  5. emolument 'the returns arising from office or employment usually in the form of compensation or perquisites'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

waistline

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games