waist-band

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A band or strip of material: "waist-band" refers to the part of a garment (such as trousers, a skirt, or a dress) that encircles the waist, often elasticated or fitted with a fastener, serving to hold the garment in place.
   • A belt or sash: In some contexts, "waist-band" can also denote a decorative or functional band worn around the waist, separate from a garment.

Usage Examples

• (The band at the top of the trousers that goes around the waist.)
• (She tightened or loosened the band that holds the skirt at the waist.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a high/low waist-band": to describe the position or style of the band relative to the natural waist.

  • These jeans have a high waist-band, sitting above the hips. (The band is positioned high on the torso.)

• "to fasten the waist-band": to close or secure the band using a button, hook, or zip.

  • He fastened the waist-band of his shorts with a metal buckle. (He closed the band using the buckle.)

Variants and Related Words

• Waistband (n): a common alternative spelling, often used interchangeably with "waist-band".

  • The waistband of the skirt was too tight. (The band around the waist was uncomfortable.)

• Waist (n): the part of the body between the ribs and the hips.

  • She measured her waist for the new dress. (The circumference of the body at the waist.)

• Band (n): a strip, ring, or loop of material used for binding or fastening.

  • The hat had a decorative band around it. (A strip of material.)

Synonyms

• Belt: a strip of leather or fabric worn around the waist to support clothing or as an accessory.

  • He wore a leather belt with his jeans. (A functional or decorative band.)

• Sash: a long strip of cloth worn around the waist or over the shoulder, often as part of a uniform.

  • The ceremonial sash matched the colour of the dress. (A decorative band.)

• Girdle: a tight-fitting band worn around the waist, historically used to shape the figure.

  • She wore a girdle under her gown for a smooth silhouette. (A supportive band.)

Related Idioms

• "to tighten one's waist-band": to make the band of a garment smaller, often used figuratively to mean to economize or make do with less.

  • After losing his job, he had to tighten his waist-band and cut expenses. (He had to reduce spending.)

• "to let out the waist-band": to make the band larger, often used literally for clothing that has become too tight.

  • She let out the waist-band of her trousers after the meal. (She loosened the band for comfort.)