waist

waist · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The part of the human body below the ribs and above the hips.

  2. 2.

    The narrow middle part of something.

  3. 3.

    The part of a garment that covers the waist.

Forms

plural: waists

Related words

See also: hip, midriff, torso
Synonyms: middle, midriff, midsection

Etymology

From Old English wæstm meaning "growth, form, figure," from Proto-Germanic wahstuz meaning "growth." Related to wax (to grow). The spelling was influenced by waste.