Meaning & use
hourglass figure
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Meaning
nounsingular
A body shape in which the waist is noticeably narrower than the bust and hips, like the outline of an hourglass.
Grammar: Usually used with 'a' or 'the': she has an hourglass figure. The plural is rarely needed but would be 'hourglass figures'.
Patterns
- have an hourglass figure
- an hourglass figure
The dress is designed to flatter an hourglass figure.
In the 1950s, many film stars were praised for having an hourglass figure.
She chose a belt that emphasized her hourglass figure.
Word forms
| plural | hourglass figures |
|---|
Common combinations
- have an hourglass figure
- He said his sister has an hourglass figure, but she prefers not to talk about it.
- flatter an hourglass figure
- High-waisted trousers tend to flatter an hourglass figure.
- classic hourglass figure
- The model was known for her classic hourglass figure.
- achieve an hourglass figure
- Some exercise programs claim to help you achieve an hourglass figure.
Synonyms and how they differ
- curvy
- A more general adjective for a body with pronounced curves; it does not specify that the waist is narrow.
- shapely
- Often approving and slightly old-fashioned, meaning an attractive, well-proportioned figure, not specifically an hourglass shape.
Opposites
Word family
- hourglass noun
- The glass device with sand used for timing, which the body shape resembles.
Commonly confused: hourglass figure or hourglass?
hourglass figure vs hourglass
An hourglass is the timing device; 'hourglass figure' is only the body shape.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'hourglass figure' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Hourglass figure' refers to a body shape, so the tailor sentence is correct. The other options confuse it with the actual hourglass object.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hourglass figure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.