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

Even better, the smocked bodice offers a comfortable, flattering fit, and the tie at the bustline allows for easy adjustments. —Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

Witherspoon, 50, wore a pink lace dress with a corseted bodice and a sweetheart neckline, while Deacon, 22, coordinated in a black suit with a magenta tie. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

The look embodied dark punk sensibility, with a monochrome black color scheme, leathery gloves and strapless, structured bodice, among other details. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

The bodice also included a giant bow at the neck. —Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 24 June 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