waistline

noun

waist·​line ˈwāst-ˌlīn How to pronounce waistline (audio)
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

Examples of waistline in a Sentence

The diet claims it will reduce your waistline in just four weeks. The dress has a small waistline and a full skirt.
Recent Examples on the Web Corsets and postpartum waist trainers will not permanently shrink the waistline. Holly Pevzner, Parents, 3 Nov. 2023 The notched-lapel blazer is designed with a wrap front that hugs the waistline just so, and a pinstripe pattern that adds even more texture to the overall feel. Kristina Rutkowski, wsj.com, 30 Oct. 2023 The ribbing is ultrafine and adds texture without overwhelming the design, and what sets this dress apart is the gorgeous hourglass ribbed detailing at the waistline. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2023 Either open as a tent dress or with the removable sash to bring definition to the waistline. Kristina Rutkowski, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 June 2023 Wardrobe staples like oversized blazers, boxy shirting, skirts and pants with asymmetrical waistlines and hemlines have made as many waves on the red carpet as the more show-stopping pieces. Irina Grechko, refinery29.com, 25 Sep. 2023 While the top half of the garment appears to be a soft v-neck blouse, it’s attached to a nylon elastane thong base — the effect of which minimizes the bulk that often gathers around the waistline with a standard blouse. Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 3 Oct. 2023 The legs would roll up a bit, but the bra never gave me any issues, and the waistline always stayed put. Dana Leigh Smith, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2023 This season, designers were obsessed with waistlines and hemlines that were last popular in the 2010s. Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 20 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'waistline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of waistline was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near waistline

Cite this Entry

“Waistline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waistline. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

waistline

noun
waist·​line ˈwāst-ˌlīn How to pronounce waistline (audio)
1
b
: body circumference at the waist
2
: the part of a garment surrounding the waist

Medical Definition

waistline

noun
waist·​line ˈwāst-ˌlīn How to pronounce waistline (audio)
: body circumference at the waist

More from Merriam-Webster on waistline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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