bodice

noun

bod·​ice ˈbä-dəs How to pronounce bodice (audio)
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 abstract shape of the strapless bodice was head-turning and paired beautifully with her diamond chain necklace. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 17 Mar. 2024 The bodice of the white scuba satin design featured an angular neckline, forming a sharp tip pointing toward Kardashian's face. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Her outfit—look 10 from the show—was affixed with all the bells and whistles: a lightweight, layered peplum that extended into a train, white embellishments on the bodice, and 3D sprouts emerging from the peplum and train. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024 Because while one was decidedly more unconventional than the other, their bodice structures are undeniably similar. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024 Her silky, spaghetti-strap dress featured ruching at the bodice to give it a figure-hugging fit and a low neckline to show off her curves. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2024 Silk brocade stays from around 1750 exemplify the bow’s functional origin as an easily undoable knot to secure a piece of clothing, while ​​a Pepto pink Comme des Garçons dress from 2007 displays its decorative potential with a pair of padded bows embedded into its front bodice and right hip. John Wogan Juliet Izon Gisela Williams Lindsey Tramuta Julia Halperin Jameson Montgomery, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Her only tools are a brass dagger stitched into her bodice and a filigreed orb that serves as a lamp. Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 This style features a sleeveless high-neck silhouette with cut-out details down the bodice, plus a large keyhole feature in the back. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bodice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of bodies, plural of body entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bodice was circa 1567

Dictionary Entries Near bodice

Cite this Entry

“Bodice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodice. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bodice

noun
bod·​ice ˈbäd-əs How to pronounce bodice (audio)
: the upper part of a dress

More from Merriam-Webster on bodice

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