Waist
/weɪst/noun
The narrowed part of the human body between the ribs and hips.
Did you know?Waist is ultimately related to Latin virēscere, “to grow green, become vigorous,” because the Germanic root behind it meant swelling or growing, not just a body part.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wegʷ-
“to be strong, grow, be lively”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wēstiz
“growth, swelling”
Old English
English
wæst
“growth, increase, bodily size”
Middle English
English
waist
“the body’s middle; also growth or increase in older senses”
Modern English
English
waist
“the narrowed middle part of the body”