What does waist mean?
The waist is the part of the body between the chest and hips, especially the narrower middle portion that connects the upper and lower body. The word is also used for the corresponding section of clothing, as in a high-waisted skirt or a belt around the waist. In more extended usage, it can mean the central or narrow part of an object, such as a rope or structure. Waist is a neutral, everyday term and is often associated with posture, clothing fit, body shape, and the physical act of placing one’s hands on the hips. Although midriff and midsection can be close synonyms, waist is the more standard term when discussing anatomy, garments, or measurement. The word also appears in fixed expressions such as waist-deep and around the waist, where it describes depth or position. Its origin reflects the body’s trunk or girth, making it a useful example of how ordinary English words can preserve older physical meanings while acquiring new applications.
nounThe part of the body between the chest and hips, especially the narrower area around the middle. It can also refer to the corresponding upper section of a garment or the narrow central part of an object.
- The part of the body between the chest and hips, especially the narrower area around the middle.
- The upper section of a garment, especially a fitted one, that surrounds the waist.
- The narrow central part of an object or structure.
"She rested her hands on her waist and looked out of the window."
"The dancer bent forward and placed her hands on her waist."
"The trousers sit high on the waist, creating a tailored silhouette."
The plural is relatively uncommon and is used when referring to separate waist areas, garment sizes, or individual waist measurements.
"The tailor adjusted the waists of several pairs of trousers."
Waist originally referred not only to the body's middle but also to its trunk or girth—an everyday word with a surprisingly physical history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waist
The English word descends from Old English wæst, which could refer to the trunk of the body as well as size or girth. It continued Proto-Germanic *wastaz and is generally connected with a Proto-Indo-European root associated with growth. Related forms include waste, vast, and wax, although their modern meanings have developed in different directions.
Related word forms
How waist is actually used
In general use, waist is neutral and commonly refers both to the body and to the corresponding part of clothing. In some contexts, midriff is a less formal synonym, while torso usually describes the whole trunk rather than only the waist area.
Easily confused with waist
A waist is the middle part of the body or a garment, while waste is material that is discarded or no longer needed.