midriff

UK: /ˈmɪdrɪf/ US: /ˈmɪdrɪf/ ,(mid′rif )

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

mid•riff /ˈmɪdrɪf/   n. [countable]

1. Anatomy diaphragm (def. 1).
2. Anatomy the middle portion of the human body, between the chest and the waist.
3. Clothing the part of a dress or bodice that covers this area of the body.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

mid•riff  (mid′rif ), n. 

1. Anatomy diaphragm (def. 1).
2. Anatomy the middle part of the body, between the chest and the waist.
3. Clothing the part of a dress or bodice, usually close-fitting, that covers this part of the body.
4. Clothing a garment that exposes this part of the body.

adj. 

5. noting or pertaining to the middle part of the human body, the part of a garment that covers it, or a garment that exposes it.

• Middle English mydryf, Old English midhrif, equivalent. to mid(d) mid¹ + hrif belly bef. 1000

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

midriff / ˈmɪdrɪf/ noun

1. the middle part of the human body, esp between waist and bust
2. (as modifier): midriff bulge
3. another name for the diaphragm1
4. the part of a woman's garment covering the midriff

Etymology: Old English midhrif, from mid¹ + hrif belly