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

This one is subtly fitted through the bodice, complete with a scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flowing, tiered skirt. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024

The bodice was paired with a skirt from McCartney constructed from forest-friendly viscose and bio-acetate cady. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

bodice

noun

bod·​ice ˈbäd-əs 

: the upper part of a dress