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 breezy textile, frequently used for T-shirts, was draped into an elegant dress, which also featured a three-dimensional bodice and a thigh-high slit. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026

The ivory ballgown featured a Victorian-style lace bodice with a V-neckline, a skirt that was padded at the hips to resemble an opening flower and a nearly 9-foot-long train. —Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026

Designed with a looser fit, this top is a relaxed fit through the arms and bodice. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026

That rose appliqué, cutout detail on the waist, and asymmetric bodice? —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 Jan. 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