waistwaist /weɪst/ ●●● W3 noun [countable] 
The skirt was too big around the waist.from the waist up/down (=in the top or bottom half of your body) Lota was paralysed from the waist down.stripped to the waist (=not wearing any clothes on the top half of your body)slim-waisted/narrow-waisted/thick-waisted (=having a thin, thick etc waist)2[usually singular] the part of a piece of clothing that goes around this part of your body ► Do not confuse with waste, which is used as a verb and a noun to talk about using too much of something, or not using it in a sensible way.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- The dress emphasized her tiny waist.
- Even a thickening waist, while annoying, can be construed as a viewer problem, to an extent.
- He pulled, and managed to bend forwards at the waist like an oarsman.
- He was black from shoes to waist.
- John slipped his arm around Ixora's narrow waist, guiding her ahead of him.
- The walls were beige up to about waist level, then turned off-white.
- The well-endowed prisoners all strip to the waist and begin sweating and grunting as they struggle to free the craft.
- They were loose around the waist and the legs seemed endless, but the hips fitted nice and snugly.
- Unaware that she was holding her breath, Isabel slowly slid her arms around his waist.
WORD SETS
anorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY In places, the snow was waist-deep (=deep enough to reach a person’s waist). Eric stood in the hot sun, stripped to the waist (=not wearing any clothes on the top half of his body).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
1the narrow part in the middle of the human body: (=in the top or bottom half of your body) Lota was paralysed from the waist down.
Lota was paralysed from the waist down. (=not wearing any clothes on the top half of your body)
(=having a thin, thick etc waist)
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES In places, the snow was waist-deep (=deep enough to reach a person’s waist). (=as high as your chest etc) The grass was knee-high.
The grass was knee-high.· What is his waist measurement?
Eric stood in the hot sun, stripped to the waist (=not wearing any clothes on the top half of his body).· They have an elasticated waist and three pockets and a cotton inner lining.· Draw string elasticated waist, gripped elastic legs.· The trousers have two zipped side pockets elasticated waist and zip opening cuffs for slipping over those ubiquitous trainers.· Other features: elasticated drawstring at waist, elasticated ankle.· Cotton floral leggings with elasticated waist, £23.90, XS-L from Benetton.
· Elevation Lie or sit with your legs raised higher than your waist.· His shirt was casually unbuttoned at the chest, the trousers high at the waist and tight about his hips.· The skirting-board grew high as her waist.
· He pulled it off and threw it behind him, revealing himself naked to the waist.· And a woman stripped naked to the waist, her luxuriant, flowered yellow hat vibrating against a deep black ground.· The men and women who wear this garment are naked above the waist.· All were naked to the waist, and their bodies quivered and trembled rhythmically to the beat of their instruments.· Throughout the experiment subjects wore no shoes and were naked below the waist.
· John slipped his arm around Ixora's narrow waist, guiding her ahead of him.· She stooped, setting the tray down, and Claudine put a hand around her narrow waist, detaining her.· Her narrow waist swayed and her hips lifted and dropped with each step.· She had a narrow waist and a rich small belly.· Her narrow waist emphasised the rounded curve of her hips and plump hindquarters.· As my eyes continued their upward sweep they paused to take in her narrow waist and slim athletic figure.
· He was surprised at how small her waist was.· Holding her small, hard waist, he spun her round.· My waist was so small, they said they had never seen anyone with such a small waist.· It appeared to be a small waist.· It was a small waist; he knew all about her waist.
· Her tiny waist and substantial bosom turned heads right across the bar.· And with this dress she needs a tiny waist.
NOUN· The foot is brought up to waist height, then quickly snapped out in a thrusting motion.· A wooden rail at waist height barred their way; they must be very close to the edge of the cliff.· Cooking was done on an open, charcoal-burning stove, built at waist height, often in the corner of the kitchen.
· The controls are at waist level with simmer settings on all hotplate burners.· The walls were beige up to about waist level, then turned off-white.· However, the wall of the dock extended above waist level.· The base of the bag should rest at waist level.· He stood for a moment, gun held loosely at waist level, trying to get his bearings.· Hold a handweight in each hand at waist level.
VERB· She was dressed in a long white robe of finely pleated linen, which was belted loosely at the waist.
· He pulled, and managed to bend forwards at the waist like an oarsman.· Then I bend at the waist, and with a strike of a match, I set the last prairie on fire.· Slowly bend from the waist, lowering the bar towards the floor and keeping the legs straight.· She bends forward from the waist.· Instead, stiff legged, he merely bends at the waist like a man twice his 37 years.
· Rory jumped out and grabbed her round the waist.· Gao Ma grabbed her around the waist and held her for a moment.· I grabbed Tiger around the waist, my chin against his chest.
· Trampling over the mounds of debris, he swung her round, holding her by the waist.· She enjoyed witty remarks and jokes, and would hold her waist in both hands and bend double with laughter.
· He put his arms around her waist and pulled her so hard she lost her balance.· As she scrambled from his reach, he seized her around the waist and pulled her back to him.· She felt his hands on her waist, pulling her ruthlessly away from the box so that she was forced to withdraw her hand.
· Many of the men who sat outside the tents were stripped to the waist and some of them were barefoot.· And a woman stripped naked to the waist, her luxuriant, flowered yellow hat vibrating against a deep black ground.· Five young men, already in custody, were stripped to the waist.· When insulted, they stripped to the waist, put on hideous driftwood masks and sang nasty songs at each other.· The well-endowed prisoners all strip to the waist and begin sweating and grunting as they struggle to free the craft.· He was stripped to the waist, tanned and big-shouldered, in remarkable condition for a man of his age.· He took off his jacket, tossed his tie to one side and stripped to the waist.
· It consisted of the straight robe mentioned above, with an elaborate flounced and layered over-skirt tied on at the waist.· They strap your wrists down to your bed and they tie your waist and your feet down to the bed.
· Connor in vest and trousers - Huw Pritchard stripped to the waist, wearing boxing-gloves, shorts and plimsolls.
· But what is all that leaping into each others' arms, Peli with his legs wrapped round Jairzinho's waist?· Mom stands upright, her skis over her shoulder, a pair of climbing skins wrapped jauntily about her waist.· He had forgotten the rope wrapped round his waist.· There were porters sitting there who had ropes wrapped around their waists.· He stood there, red-shirted, on the steps, his coat wrapped around his waist.· She whirled to face him, braced for further interrogation, her arms wrapped defensively across her waist.· She just felt hopelessly entangled in the strong brown arms that were wrapped around her waist.
The skirt was too big around the waist.from the waist up/down (=in the top or bottom half of your body) Lota was paralysed from the waist down.stripped to the waist (=not wearing any clothes on the top half of your body)slim-waisted/narrow-waisted/thick-waisted (=having a thin, thick etc waist)2[usually singular] the part of a piece of clothing that goes around this part of your body ► Do not confuse with waste, which is used as a verb and a noun to talk about using too much of something, or not using it in a sensible way.