Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a shape resembling that of an hourglass: Specifically, this describes an object, figure, or form that is characterized by a narrow middle section with wider sections at the top and bottom, similar to the classic shape of a traditional hourglass timer.

Usage

• This adjective is typically used to describe physical forms, most commonly in contexts like fashion, anatomy, and design. It often carries a positive connotation when describing a human body shape.
• It is usually placed before the noun it modifies (attributive position).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The vase had a beautiful, hourglass-shaped silhouette.
  • She has an hourglass-shaped figure, with a narrow waist and fuller hips and bust.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Nuance: The term is often used metaphorically or descriptively beyond literal objects, emphasizing symmetry and a cinched center.
  • The architect designed an hourglass-shaped tower that narrowed dramatically at its mid-level.

Variants and Related Words

• Hourglass (n): The timekeeping device consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, through which sand flows.
  • The sand in the hourglass was running out.

Synonyms

• Curvaceous (especially for figures): Having an attractively curved shape.
• Figure-eight-shaped: Having a shape resembling the number 8, which is similar but not identical.
• Pinched-in: Describing a narrowed middle section (less common and more literal).

Antonyms

• Straight-shaped: Having a form with little variation in width from top to bottom.
• Columnar: Shaped like a column; straight and cylindrical.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Hourglass figure (n phrase): A common phrase specifically describing a human body shape with a narrow waist and proportionally wider hips and bust.
  • The dress was designed to accentuate an hourglass figure.

Adjective

1. shaped in the form of an hourglass