Definition

1. Noun:
   • The narrowing of the human body between the ribs and the hips: This is the primary anatomical definition, referring to the natural indentation or circumference at the midsection.
   • The measurement or circumference of this part of the body: Often used in contexts like clothing, fitness, and health to indicate a specific size.
   • The line or seam on a garment that corresponds to this part of the body: In fashion, it refers to the part of a piece of clothing that is designed to sit at or define the waist.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Anatomical Part):
  • She has a very defined waistline.
  • The exercise targets the muscles around the waistline.
• Noun (Measurement):
  • His waistline has expanded since he stopped exercising.
  • The doctor measured her waistline as part of the health checkup.
• Noun (Clothing):
  • This dress has a high waistline.
  • The waistline of the trousers is too tight.

Advanced Usage

• "To watch one's waistline": To be careful about what one eats in order to avoid gaining weight around the midsection.
  • Since the holidays, I really need to watch my waistline.
• "Expanding waistline": A phrase often used to describe weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
  • A sedentary lifestyle can lead to an expanding waistline.

Variants and Related Words

• Waist (noun): The part of the human body below the ribs and above the hips. While closely related, "waist" is the general area, and "waistline" often specifies its shape, measurement, or a garment's construction.
  • She wore a belt around her waist.
• Waistband (noun): A strip of material forming the waist of a garment.
  • The waistband on these jeans is elastic.

Synonyms

• Midsection: The middle part of the human body.
• Middle: A less formal term for the area around the waist.

Related Phrases

• To have a slim waistline: To have a narrow measurement around the waist.
  • Dancers often have a very slim waistline.
• The waistline of a nation (figurative, advanced): A humorous or journalistic phrase referring to the average weight or health of a population.
  • The article discussed the growing waistline of the nation due to fast food.

Notes

The word "waistline" is most commonly used in discussions about health, fitness, body shape, and clothing design. It is a concrete term but is often used in figurative expressions related to health and lifestyle.

Noun

1. the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips