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
Plus, the adjustable draw cord at the waist can be worn inside or out.
—
Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2024
The detailed embroidery gives it a vintage feel that translates into the perfect throw-on-and-go piece, and the tie waist belt elevates the relaxed fit.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2024
As for a breezy sumer dress like Jennifer Lopez's, Bibeau suggests adding a statement belt to cinch and define your waist and add shape.
—Karli Bendlin, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024
Then load up the pack, pick it up by the shoulder straps, slide one arm through at a time, and fasten the waist belt.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for waist 
Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2024
The detailed embroidery gives it a vintage feel that translates into the perfect throw-on-and-go piece, and the tie waist belt elevates the relaxed fit.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2024
As for a breezy sumer dress like Jennifer Lopez's, Bibeau suggests adding a statement belt to cinch and define your waist and add shape.
—Karli Bendlin, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024
Then load up the pack, pick it up by the shoulder straps, slide one arm through at a time, and fasten the waist belt.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for waist
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'waist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Waist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waist. Accessed 3 Sep. 2024.
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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