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 injury left her paralyzed from the waist down and in a wheelchair, Laposata said. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

The 22-year-old Oklahoma City guard posted a picture from his EYBL days to his Instagram story last week showing Westbrook with his arm wrapped around McCain’s waist. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

For a Western touch, accessorize with Polo Ralph Lauren’s metal belt at the waist, Lié Studio’s pendant necklace, and simple black shades from Chimi. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Its seven principal structures are said to resemble the head, heart, waist, arms and knees of the seated Buddha; in three of them, none of the training monks are allowed to speak. — Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 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