bodice

noun

bod·ice ˈbä-dəs

: the upper part of a woman's dress

archaic : corset, stays

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The Fashionable History of Bodice

The term bodice is derived from body. One sense of the word body is “the part of a garment covering the body or trunk.” In the 17th and 18th centuries a woman’s corset was often called a “pair of bodies.” The plural bodies, or bodice, was eventually interpreted as a singular. Bodice is now most often used to refer to the upper part of a woman’s dress.

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Examples of bodice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But something – ie Nicola Peltz Beckham, who wore a flame-red corset to her in-laws’s Miami Christmas – must have convinced her otherwise: Victoria spent New Year’s Eve in a black satin bodice. —

Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025 The look consisted of a sheer corset-style bodice made of black lace and an emerald green velvet skirt with a high slit. —

Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025 The bodice of Jill Biden’s dress presented a slight juxtaposition. —

Julia Teti, WWD, 30 Dec. 2024 The gown featured a halter neckline, which opened up into a completely open bodice, showcasing her toned abs. —

Lori A Bashian Fox News, Fox News, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bodice