waistline

IPA/ˈweɪstlaɪn/
KK[wˈestlˌaɪn]IPA/ˈweɪstlaɪn/

waistline — noun

  • waistlinesingular
  • waistlinesplural

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

1.nounB1
Definition

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.

Example

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

Common collocations
  • natural waistline
  • defined waistline
  • mark the waistline
  • high waistline
  • low waistline
Synonyms
  • waist

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

Grammar Patterns

the + waistline

possessive + waistline

Usage Note

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

Common Mistakes

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.nounB2
Definition

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

Example

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)

Common collocations
  • expand the waistline
  • shrink the waistline
  • trim the waistline
  • watch your waistline
  • reduce your waistline
Synonyms
  • 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.

Grammar Patterns

possessive + waistline

a + adjective + waistline

Usage Note

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').

Common Mistakes

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.nounB1
Definition

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.

Example

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

Common collocations
  • high waistline
  • low waistline
  • natural waistline
  • elastic waistline
  • empire waistline
  • fitted waistline
  • straight waistline
Synonyms
  • 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.

Grammar Patterns

the + waistline + of + clothing item

adjective + waistline

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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).

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

Waistline (sense 2) refers specifically to the measurement around the waist, most often used in health and fitness contexts ('She has reduced her waistline by three inches'). Waist is the body part itself — the narrow area between the ribs and hips — and is the everyday term for that area ('He put his arm around her waist'). Hips are the wider area below the waist, at the level of the pelvic bones; hip measurement is a separate number in both fashion and health. Midsection is a broader, more informal term covering the entire stomach, waist, and lower torso area ('He did crunches to strengthen his midsection'). For example: 'His waistline increased during the holidays' focuses on the numerical change, while 'He hurt his waist lifting boxes' refers to the body part.

waist ↗waistline ↗hips ↗midsection ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • waistline measurement
  • waistline size
  • waistline expansion

Adverbs

Phrases

  • watch your waistline
  • expand the waistline
  • slim the waistline
  • trim the waistline

Prepositions

  • around the waistline
  • at the waistline

Etymology

Old EnglishLatinEnglish

Waistline is a compound word formed from 'waist' and 'line.' The word 'waist' comes from Old English wæst, meaning 'growth' or 'development,' which later came to refer to the middle part of the body. 'Line' comes from Old English līne, from Latin linea, meaning 'string, thread, or stroke.' The compound 'waistline' first appeared in the mid-19th century, initially in fashion and tailoring contexts, and later expanded to health and body measurement usage.

First known use

1857

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1a