waist
5 synonyms for waist, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The narrow part of the body between the ribs and the hips.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use waist
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
slim waist
waist size
elastic waist
Etymology
From Old English, tracing back to a Germanic root meaning "growth" or "stature" — related to the word "wax" (as in "to wax and wane").
Full origin of waist →Frequently asked questions
What does “waist” mean?
The word “waist” means the narrow part of the body between the ribs and the hips. In plain terms, the narrowest part of the torso, or the part of clothing that sits there.
How do you pronounce “waist”?
“Waist” is pronounced wayst (/weɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “waist” in a sentence?
Here is “waist” used in a sentence: “She tied the belt tightly around her waist.”
What part of speech is “waist”?
“Waist” is a noun.
Where does the word “waist” come from?
The word “waist” comes from Old English. From Old English, tracing back to a Germanic root meaning "growth" or "stature" — related to the word "wax" (as in "to wax and wane").
Is “waist” a common word?
“Waist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “waist” have?
“Waist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the narrow part of the body between the ribs and the hips.
What is the difference between waist and waste?
"Waist" is a noun for the narrow part of the body between the ribs and hips, or the part of a garment that fits there. "Waste" is unrelated, meaning to use something carelessly or discarded material; the two are homophones often confused in writing.
What is the difference between waist and hips?
The "waist" is the narrower part of the torso between the ribs and the hips, while the hips are the wider part below it around the pelvis. In measurements, the waist is usually taken at the slimmest point and the hips at the widest.
What is the difference between waist and waistline?
"Waist" refers to the narrow part of the body itself, while "waistline" usually refers to the level or line where the waist sits, or to the seam of a garment at that point. "Waistline" is also used figuratively to talk about body weight, as in "watching your waistline."
What are common collocations with waist?
"Waist" often appears in phrases such as "waist size," "waist-deep," and "from the waist up." Clothing descriptions use "high-waisted" and "low-waisted" to show where a garment sits on the body.
