waist

/weɪst/ (bre, ipa) · /weɪst/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwāst/ (ame, mw)

waist — noun

  • waistsingular
  • waistsplural

1. the narrow middle section of the human body, found just below the ribs and above

1.名詞A2
釋義

the narrow middle section of the human body, found just below the ribs and above the hip bones, typically the slimmest area of the torso.

例句

Ignacio wrapped a bright red belt around his waist before putting on the jacket.

wrap + belt + around + waist

The tailor measured Marta's waist carefully before cutting the fabric for the new dress.

measure + waist for clothing fitting

同義詞
  • midriff

    refers to the same area but focuses on the front of the body; slightly more formal or medical

  • midsection

    broader term covering the whole middle area including stomach and waist; less precise

文法句型

possessive + waist

around + possessive + waist

用法筆記

In everyday English, waist refers specifically to the narrowed middle area. Do not use it for the lower back — the area where people commonly feel pain is called the lower back, not the waist.

常見錯誤

❌My waist hurts from lifting the box.
✅My lower back hurts from lifting the box.
💡Waist is the front and side middle area, not the lower back.
❌She has a thin waist' (when meaning narrow).
✅She has a slim waist.
💡'Thin waist' is understood but 'slim waist' is more natural in English.

2. the section of an item of clothing designed to sit at the torso's midsection, ju

2.名詞A2
釋義

the section of an item of clothing designed to sit at the torso's midsection, just above the hips and below the ribs.

例句

These trousers are too tight at the waist, so Rania needs a bigger size.

tight at the waist (fit collocation)

Arjun likes jeans with an elastic waist for easy movement at work.

elastic waist

同義詞
  • waistline

    refers to the position or shape of the waist on a garment rather than the garment section itself

  • waistband

    specifically the band or strip sewn into the top of trousers, skirts, or shorts

文法句型

the + waist + of + clothing item

adjective + waist

用法筆記

Often modified by adjectives describing the cut or fit of the garment: high waist, low waist, elastic waist, fitted waist. When buying clothes, the waist measurement on a label may differ from your body waist size.

常見錯誤

❌The jeans are tight in waist.
✅The jeans are tight at the waist.
💡Use 'at the waist' or 'in the waist area', not bare 'in waist'.