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 Marchesa cofounder wore a dress with a black bodice and white skirt, featuring a plunging neckline in black and drop-waist silhouette. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025

The singer wore a black dress with a velvet off-the-shoulder bodice with a sheer panel around the shoulders and a sheer skirt. 07 of 12 JoJo Siwa JoJo Siwa ditched her usual over-the-top style for a simple navy suit by Gucci. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Plus, the dress features an A-line bodice, wrap design, and a ruffle hem bottom tier for an effortless yet sophisticated style. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2025

The look featured a sweetheart neckline and contrasting fabric from the bust to the bodice and A-line skirt of the frock. —Julia Teti, WWD, 24 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