waist

noun

ˈwāst 

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

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

waisted

ˈwā-stəd 

adjective

Synonyms of waist

• stomach
• middle
• waistline
• midsection
• midriff
• belly
• trunk

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

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends teaching children to pick up and carry backpacks safely, including bending at the knees rather than the waist when lifting heavier bags to avoid strain. — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Hudson looked radiant in a jade green Giorgio Armani Privé gown with a plunging strapless bustier, peplum waist, and column skirt. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026

The halter-style swimsuit featured thin straps that crossed around her waist, while her long brunette hair fell loosely over her shoulders. — Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

The open back and high-cinching waist add shape while still maintaining an airy look and feel. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wast; probably akin to Old English wæstm growth, weaxan to grow — more at wax

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing waist

• strip to the waist
• waist-high
• wasp waist

Rhymes for waist

• based
• baste
• braced
• cased
• chased
• chaste
• faced
• graced
• haste
• laced
• mayst
• paced

Kids Definition

waist

noun

ˈwāst 

1

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

waisted

ˈwā-stəd 

adjective

Medical Definition

waist

noun

ˈwāst 

: the typically narrowed part of the body between the thorax and hips