waist

waist

noun \ˈwāst\

Definition of WAIST

1

a : the typically narrowed part of the body between the thorax and hips b : the greatly constricted basal part of the abdomen of some insects (as wasps and flies)

2

: the part of something corresponding to or resembling the human waist: 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 1 b : blouse

4

: waistline 1b

— waist·ed \ˈwā-stəd\ adjective

Examples of WAIST

1. He has a narrow waist and broad shoulders.
2. He put his arm around her waist.
3. These pants have an elastic waist.
4. The waist of this skirt is too tight.

Origin of WAIST

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to WAIST

Synonyms: middle, midsection, midriff, waistline

Related Words: trunk; abdomen, belly, gut, stomach

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Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with WAIST

based, baste, chaste, haste, laced, paste, taste, waste