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
Beginner lessons start with a briefing on ocean safety and surf etiquette, before moving into waist deep water where students can familiarize themselves with their longboards.
—
Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 15 Apr. 2025
In television interviews, Sandy, with her big frizzy hair and animal print leggings often bent horseshoes, while the uber-tall Durk, with his teeny tiny workout shorts, a halter top and a large silver western belt slung around his waist, spouted off factual scientific studies.
—Hayley Krischer, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
South Carolina Department of Corrections / AP Mahdi will then be secured to a chair, with straps around his waist, ankles and arms.
—CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
The rounded shape reaches well beyond her back, and arcs down all the way past her waist, creating a look that's reminiscent of the disco era—especially in that flashy frock.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waist
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Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 15 Apr. 2025
In television interviews, Sandy, with her big frizzy hair and animal print leggings often bent horseshoes, while the uber-tall Durk, with his teeny tiny workout shorts, a halter top and a large silver western belt slung around his waist, spouted off factual scientific studies.
—Hayley Krischer, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
South Carolina Department of Corrections / AP Mahdi will then be secured to a chair, with straps around his waist, ankles and arms.
—CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
The rounded shape reaches well beyond her back, and arcs down all the way past her waist, creating a look that's reminiscent of the disco era—especially in that flashy frock.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 9 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 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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