# waist

/ˈweɪst/ (US) · /wˈeɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/waist
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. body part

noun · CEFR A2

the part of your body between your chest and your hips.

For teachers: the part of the human body between the ribs and the hips, typically the narrowest part of the torso.

- He wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a hug.
- The athlete's core strength was evident in the way he rotated his waist during the complex gymnastic routine.

### 2. clothing part

noun · CEFR B1

the part of a pair of trousers or a skirt that goes around your middle.

For teachers: the portion of a garment that covers or fits around the waist of the wearer.

- These jeans are a bit tight around the waist after the holidays.
- The tailor suggested taking in the waist of the trousers to ensure a more flattering silhouette for the formal event.

### 3. middle of an object

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the narrow middle part of an object, like a ship or a violin.

For teachers: the narrowest or central part of an object, such as the middle of a ship's deck or the fuselage of an aircraft.

- The narrow waist of the violin helps the musician hold it comfortably.
- The crew gathered in the waist of the ship, the central area between the quarterdeck and the forecastle, to receive their morning instructions.

## Examples

- The belt is too small for my waist.
- She stood with her hands on her waist while she waited for the bus to arrive.
- Tailors often take multiple measurements around the natural waist to ensure that high-waisted trousers drape correctly without bunching at the hip.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.