bodice

noun

bod·​ice ˈbä-dəs 

1

: the upper part of a woman's dress

2

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.

Learn more about bodice history

Examples of bodice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Featuring a flattering a-line fit and flare with a beaded boat-neck bodice, this dress exudes elegance and sophistication. —Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

For the April 14 European premiere of the movie, also in London, Steinfeld sunk her teeth into method dressing again in a black sheer Robert Wun gown from the designer's spring 2024 couture collection with red and orange flames framing the bodice and train of the gown. —Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

The look also included sinuous lapels, giving the bodice a leather jacket quality. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025

Image The high energy that co-stars and fans brought to the crowd during the singer’s performance was matched onstage in a glowing costume with a butterfly-like bodice designed by Asher Levine. —Anthony Rotunno, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of bodies, plural of body entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bodice

• bodice ripper

Rhymes for bodice

• addis
• goddess

Kids Definition

bodice

noun

bod·​ice ˈbäd-əs 

: the upper part of a dress