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
Foulards With Flair Wear one in your hair, around your neck, as a pareo, a little handkerchief top, knotted around a bag strap, or as a belt around the waist of skirts and dresses.
—
Madeline Fass, Vogue, 3 June 2025
The burgundy tone of the look was offset by a black button at the waist.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
Its adjustable strap can be fastened around your waist or loosened to wear as a crossbody sling bag.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 1 June 2025
The dress also featured a dainty black bow, which was tied around her waist to accentuate her curves.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for waist
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Madeline Fass, Vogue, 3 June 2025
The burgundy tone of the look was offset by a black button at the waist.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
Its adjustable strap can be fastened around your waist or loosened to wear as a crossbody sling bag.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 1 June 2025
The dress also featured a dainty black bow, which was tied around her waist to accentuate her curves.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 May 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 8 Jun. 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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