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 black dress featured a corseted bodice with sheer paneling to contrast the silk fabric. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025

Halsey stepped out in a yellow semi-sheer silk gown with lace detailing in the bodice and a halter neckline, showing off her tattoos for a fresh take on old Hollywood glamour. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Kaia Gerber often gravitates towards '50s aesthetics with a flirty twist, as proven by the tea-length Givenchy gown with a sheer lace bodice. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025

The German supermodel wore a pink corseted, off-the-shoulder gown with sheer bodice panels, partially covered by a sash across her body. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 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