What does waisting mean?
Waisting is an uncommon English present-participle form of waist. It refers to drawing in, narrowing, or shaping something at the middle, most often a garment, as in a waisting dress or corset. In attributive use it functions like an adjective, while in a sentence such as “The maker is waisting the bodice,” it plainly represents the ongoing verb. The word is chiefly found in fashion, tailoring, and literary contexts rather than everyday conversation; “waist-cinching” and “shaped at the waist” are often clearer modern alternatives. Waisting should not be confused with wasting: the former concerns a narrowed or shaped middle, whereas the latter concerns consumption, deterioration, or expenditure. Because waisting belongs to the established verb waist, it does not have a separate independent plural. Its usefulness lies in naming the specific shaping effect of a garment’s silhouette.
To draw in, narrow, or shape something at the waist.
"The tailor waisted the trousers to create a more tapered silhouette."
Most often associated with tailoring, corsetry, or the shaping of a garment.
Fitted or shaped so as to narrow at the middle.
"The dress had a gently waisting line through the bodice."
This is a participial adjective, commonly used attributively in clothing and fashion contexts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waisting
Waisting is the English present participle of waist, formed with the productive suffix -ing. It continues the older idea of the waist as the middle of the body and of clothing being gathered, fitted, or shaped at that point. Compounds such as waistband, waistcoat, and waistline preserve the same English base, although they are later formations rather than separate cognates.
Related word forms
How waisting is actually used
Waisting is chiefly used in fashion, tailoring, and literary contexts. In attributive constructions such as “a waisting dress,” it functions like an adjective. It is uncommon in everyday conversation, where “shaped at the waist” or “waist-cinching” may be clearer.
Easily confused with waisting
Waisting means narrowing or shaping something at the middle, whereas wasting means consuming resources, deteriorating, or being spent.