What does waisted mean?
Waisted is an adjective meaning that something has a waist or is shaped at its middle. Its most familiar use is in clothing: a waisted coat, jacket, dress, or gown has a fitted or curved section corresponding to the wearer's waist. The word can also describe people, objects, or forms whose middle narrows distinctly, as in "a sharply waisted figure" or "a waisted glass." It is primarily descriptive and somewhat formal, making it useful in fashion writing, design descriptions, and precise discussions of shape. Although a waisted item is often fitted or flattering, the word does not itself mean slim; it identifies the shaping feature rather than judging the overall size. The form is especially common in descriptions of vintage and formal garments, where details of construction and silhouette are important.
adjectiveHaving a waist, especially a distinct or narrow middle. In clothing, it describes a garment that is shaped or fitted at the waist.
- Shaped or fitted at the waist, especially with a curved or narrowed middle.
- Having a distinct or specified waist.
"She wore a sharply waisted black dress that emphasized her posture."
"The tailor altered the waisted jacket to give it a more flattering fit."
"The vase has a gently waisted profile, narrowing toward its base."
A waist marks the body's middle; add -ed, and "waisted" describes a shape designed to emphasize it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waisted
Waisted was formed in English from the noun waist and the suffix -ed, used adjectivally to indicate that something possesses or is shaped at the waist. The noun waist continues Old English weaste, referring to the narrow part of the body between the chest and hips. Its English relatives include waistband, waistcoat, and waistline, all built from the same lexical element.
Related word forms
How waisted is actually used
Chiefly used in clothing, dressmaking, and formal descriptions of shape. It indicates that something is shaped at the waist but does not necessarily imply that the wearer or object is slim.
Easily confused with waisted
Wasted means squandered or made useless, whereas waisted means shaped to have a waist or possessing one.