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 bodice was adorned with white three-dimensional floral appliqués atop silver sparkles cascading down the frock. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025

Annie rocked a strapless black dress with a sweetheart neckline and silver roses on either side of the bodice, while her younger sister wore a silver dress under a black jacket. —Kayla Grant, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The designer also nodded to the original lace detailing with silver rhinestone trompe l’oeil florals along the bodice and a matching trim along the hemline. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 31 July 2025

Amazon shoppers of all heights, shapes, and sizes have given this dress a five-star rating for fit, thanks to its size range, stretchy bodice, and midi length. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 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