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
These shorts smooth and sculpt the waist and thighs without digging, rolling, or squeezing.
—
Genevieve Cepeda, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
The pop icon and actress showed up in a chic gray jumpsuit cinched at the waist, complemented by nude heels.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 20 Oct. 2024
After their trip to Italy (which ends with them standing in the ocean, waves crashing into their waists, a literal storm approaching on the horizon), the Brigstockes steadily entomb themselves in their home.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Oct. 2024
Combs can be seen running down the same hallway, shirtless and holding a towel around his waist.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for waist 
Genevieve Cepeda, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
The pop icon and actress showed up in a chic gray jumpsuit cinched at the waist, complemented by nude heels.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 20 Oct. 2024
After their trip to Italy (which ends with them standing in the ocean, waves crashing into their waists, a literal storm approaching on the horizon), the Brigstockes steadily entomb themselves in their home.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Oct. 2024
Combs can be seen running down the same hallway, shirtless and holding a towel around his waist.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 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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