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

My latest find is this midi dress from Abercrombie, which has a smocked bodice and drop-waist silhouette that helps elongate my short torso. —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

Charlotte complemented her pearl bracelet with a cream dress featuring short sleeves, a bow trimming the lacy Peter Pan collar, and two rows of buttons running down the front of her bodice. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 June 2026

While posing for photos at the event, Scherzinger stunned in a strapless black Zuhair Murad gown with a structured corset bodice with sheer fabric and fabric draped on the hips. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

The off-the-shoulder top featured long sleeves, visible corset seaming through the bodice and a structured peplum at the hips. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 14 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