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

These included Tralalero Tralala, a three-legged shark with blue Nikes; Tung Tung Tung Sahur, an anthropomorphic wood plank; and Ballerina Cappuccina, a cup of golden-brown coffee in a pink bodice. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025

Sanders, the 20-year-old daughter of director Rupert Sanders and English model Liberty Ross, wore a strapless black bodycon dress with sheer side panels and a lace bodice. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

The silver buttons at the cuffs and down the bodice of Middleton’s frock were accentuated by the British royal’s Kiki McDonough white topaz diamond stud earrings. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025

Halsey stepped out in a yellow semi-sheer silk gown with lace detailing in the bodice and a halter neckline, showing off her tattoos for a fresh take on old Hollywood glamour. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 Sep. 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