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 satin number featured a plunging halter neckline, a thigh-high slit, and a floral embellishment on the bodice made of pink and orange jewels. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026

Fabric flowers burst from bodices. —ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026

The left and right seams along the bodice, in addition to the tie belt, make for such a flattering fit on so many different body types. —Alexandra Ditch, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026

Rose Byrne was the picture of understated elegance in a light pink sleeveless Chanel midi dress that was adorned with silver rhinestone on the bodice and the waist. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 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