bodice

noun

bod·​ice ˈbä-dəs 

1

: the upper part of a woman's dress

2

archaic : corset, stays

Did you know?

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 voluminous gown featured shades of brown with jewel embellishments cascading down the bodice and skirt. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 June 2025

The maxi is designed with ruching along the bodice, has a cute cherry pattern, and provides full coverage of the legs. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 6 June 2025

In an upscale flame look, Mistress shades Tina, but Tina still beats her on the runway in a ropes-and-saddle bodice. —Chris Feil, Vulture, 6 June 2025

The dress featured ruching on the bodice and had extra fabric draped along her waist. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 May 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