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

Continuing her method of dressing, in keeping with the film’s period setting, Robbie wore a light green satin coatdress with a corset-style bodice and clip fasteners down the middle. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026

In Paris, Robbie slipped into a custom Chanel couture gown made of luxurious red velvet, with a corseted bodice, bustle, and flowing train—a piece that looks right off the set of the forthcoming film. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Feb. 2026

Michelle Williams turned heads in a sheer black gown that featured a structured bodice with delicate straps and a dramatic black tulle train. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026

Sometimes the last thing a bodice-ripper needs is a reminder that the characters onscreen think leeching is a helpful medical treatment or that disagreements can only be handled with dueling pistols. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Feb. 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