noun
waist
wayst
noun
1
The narrow part of the body between the ribs and the hips.
"She tied the belt tightly around her waist."
2
The part of a piece of clothing that fits around the waist.
"These trousers have an elastic waist for extra comfort."
How to Use Waist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe narrowest part of the torso, or the part of clothing that sits there.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "waste" — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
slim waist
waist size
elastic waist
Word Forms
waists plural
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She tied the belt tightly around her _____.
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").