bodice

noun

bod·​ice ˈbä-dəs 

1

: the upper part of a woman's dress

2

archaic : corset, stays

Did you know?

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 midi dress featured a sharp collar and dark buttons down the front placket of the bodice of the dress. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

Olivia opted for a black halter gown with a sheer bodice which connected to a peplum skirt with a small train. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026

With a feminine square neckline, puffed sleeves, and a figure-flattering smocked bodice, this beautiful dress embodies fairy tale-like elegance. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

Hailey Bieber wore a custom Saint Laurent dress featuring a gold bodice and a blue skirt and a matching blue cape. —Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 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