What does waistline mean?
A waistline is the line or outline around the narrowest part of the torso, where the body curves inward between the ribs and hips. In clothing and fashion, it describes how a garment sits or shapes this area, while in measurements it can mean the circumference of the waist. The word is used in expressions such as “narrow waistline,” “slim waistline,” and “hourglass waistline,” and it is often associated with clothing design, tailoring, and descriptions of body shape. Although broadly neutral, the term may sound appearance-focused when used about a person’s body. Waistline is especially useful because it names both a physical outline and a common feature of garment design, allowing a single word to cover both the body’s shape and the way clothing emphasizes or conceals it.
nounThe line or outline around the narrowest part of the torso, typically where the body curves inward above the hips. It can also refer to the measurement of the waist.
- The line or outline around the narrowest part of the torso.
- The circumference or measurement of the waist.
"The tailored dress defines her waistline without making it look exaggerated."
"She wore a shirt tied at the waistline to create a more casual silhouette."
"The tailor measured his waistline before altering the jacket."
The plural is used when referring to different people's waistlines or to several distinct waistlines.
"The designs emphasize the waistlines of several different body shapes."
A waistline is where clothing meets one of the body’s most changeable silhouettes, turning a simple outline into a style statement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does waistline come from?
Waistline developed in English during the 19th century by combining waist with line. The word waist came through Anglo-French from a Germanic source related to waste and to older forms meaning an empty or unused place; its meaning narrowed over time from the side or flank of the body to the middle portion. The compound waistline originally referred to the line marking this part of the body and later came to denote the corresponding body measurement.
Related word forms
How waistline is actually used
The term is neutral and common in clothing, fashion, tailoring, and body-measurement contexts. When used to describe a person's body, it can carry aesthetic or appearance-related connotations and should be used tactfully.
Easily confused with waistline
A waistband is the strip or band of clothing that encircles the waist, whereas a waistline is the body's outline or measurement at the waist.