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
That means shoppers can now stroll through the aisles with firearm in holster at their waist while perusing Pub Sub deals and BOGOs of the week.
—
Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
In the film, Monroe's dress isn't seen going dramatically over her waist.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
The adjustable strap allows for wear around your waist orshoulders.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
The blazer features a V-neckline and is cinched at the waist with a black belt.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waist
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Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
In the film, Monroe's dress isn't seen going dramatically over her waist.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
The adjustable strap allows for wear around your waist orshoulders.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
The blazer features a V-neckline and is cinched at the waist with a black belt.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waist
Cite this Entry
“Waist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waist. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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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