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

The bow—a palpable representation of femininity and girlhood—manifests itself in several adaptations throughout the collection, ornamented on shoes, wrapped around waistlines and even crafted into large-scale bodices. —Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Lizzo, who flaunted her weight loss in a Christian Siriano bodice, matched the gown to her black plaid French tips and copper lip. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025

The leather dress featured a series of cutouts on the bodice and skirt. —Hedy Phillips, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025

The straps are made of pearls and her sparkling bodice is tied with an ivory bow. —Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 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