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 look also featured such details as rounded shoulders and lining running down the bodice and skirt of the dress. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 Mar. 2025

The black-and-white halter dress featured a classic silhouette, with a flowing skirt and bodice in black contrasted by the white neckline and halter straps. —Julia Teti, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025

The stunning dress — complete with ruching detail on the bodice and a sweetheart V-neck — takes Vivian from a duckling to a swan, leaving everyone (including Edward) in awe while on a date at the opera to watch a performance of Verdi's La Traviata. —Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025

The silk taffeta dress she’s being fitted for, with its corset bodice and cinched, belted waist, feels like a true fairy tale come to life, and Zegler plans to wear it to the LA premiere of Snow White. —Patricia Alfonso Tortolani, Allure, 18 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