waistline

/ˈweɪstlaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈestlˌaɪn] /ˈweɪstlaɪn/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈestlˌaɪn] /ˈwāst-ˌlīn How to pronounce waistline (audio)/ (ame, mw)

waistline — noun

  • waistlinesingular
  • waistlinesplural

1. The horizontal line that goes around the point where a person's waist is most sl

1.名詞B1
釋義

The horizontal line that goes around the point where a person's waist is most slender, between the lower ribs and the upper hip area.

例句

The tailor marked Tara's waistline with chalk before cutting the fabric.

marked + waistline (tailoring context)

Mira has a naturally defined waistline that makes dresses fit her beautifully.

naturally defined waistline

同義詞
  • waist

    Refers to the body part itself rather than the imaginary line around it; more common in everyday speech.

文法句型

the + waistline

possessive + waistline

用法筆記

This sense refers to the anatomical position of the waist, not a numerical measurement. Frequently used in fashion and tailoring contexts.

常見錯誤

❌She has a 28-inch waistline' (when giving a measurement).
✅She has a 28-inch waist.
💡'Waistline' in this sense is a position, not a measurement; use 'waist' for the numerical value in inches/cm.
❌His waistline was sore after the long car ride.
✅His waist was sore after the long car ride.
💡Use 'waist' for the body part itself, not 'waistline.'

2. The distance around a person's waist as a numerical measurement, used to discuss

2.名詞B2
釋義

The distance around a person's waist as a numerical measurement, used to discuss body shape, weight changes, or health risk.

例句

After three months of daily exercise, Daniel's waistline had shrunk by five centimeters.

waistline + shrunk by [measurement]

The nurse told Hamza to measure his waistline each month for his health check.

measure + waistline (health context)

同義詞
  • waist measurement

    More explicit and formal; used especially in health screenings and clothing size charts.

  • girth

    A more technical term for circumference around any body part; less common in everyday speech.

文法句型

possessive + waistline

a + adjective + waistline

用法筆記

This sense is very common in health, fitness, and weight-loss contexts. Often used with verbs indicating change (expand, grow, shrink, trim, reduce). Frequently appears in possessive constructions ('my waistline,' 'his waistline').

常見錯誤

❌My waistline is the middle part of my body.
✅My waist is the middle part of my body.
💡'Waistline' refers to the measurement around the body, not the body part itself.
❌She is trying to lose weight and measure her waistline.' (vague)
✅She is trying to lose weight and has already reduced her waistline by two inches.
💡When using 'waistline' as a measurement, include the number or change.

3. The section on an item of clothing — trousers, skirts, or dresses, for example —

3.名詞B1
釋義

The section on an item of clothing — trousers, skirts, or dresses, for example — that is intended to rest at or near the wearer's waist.

例句

Mayumi picked a dress with an elastic waistline so it stays comfortable all day.

elastic waistline (describing garment feature)

The waistline on these jeans sits too low for Andrei's taste, so he returned them.

waistline + sits too high/low

同義詞
  • waistband

    A narrower term referring specifically to the band of fabric at the top of pants or skirts, not the garment's overall waist section.

文法句型

the + waistline + of + clothing item

adjective + waistline

用法筆記

This sense is exclusively about garments. Can be described by position (high, low, natural, empire) or construction (elastic, fitted, straight, curved). Tailors frequently adjust this part of clothing.

常見錯誤

❌The shirt's waistline was too tight on his arms.
✅The shirt's waistline was too tight around his waist.
💡'Waistline' refers specifically to the waist area of a garment, not the whole shirt.
❌I need to shorten the waistline of these pants.
✅I need to take in the waistline of these pants.
💡'Shorten' is for length; adjust the waistline by 'taking in' (making smaller) or 'letting out' (making larger).