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 sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026

The design featured a voluminous high-low skirt that was of a different fabric than the scoop-neck velvet bodice. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

The relaxed fit, smocked bodice, and flowy skirt create an easygoing look that works for everything from a Fourth of July picnic to a sunset walk along the beach. — Aashna Gheewalla, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026

Yes, there are fights with swords and bodices that are ripped, but this Zorro is finally much more of a romantic farce than an action drama, befitting star Jean Dujardin‘s particular blend of goofy suavity. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026

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