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

Related Articles The dress was designed with a flowing sensibility in mind, featuring the Victorian design element of a high collar contrasted by fluttering bohemian shift silhouette, long sleeves and plenty of ruffles on the bodice and skirt. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026

For her wedding look, Brittany worked with stylist Courtney Mays to craft a custom gown with a detailed bodice and dramatic off-the-shoulder cape. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

The arms and bodice fit close to the body, making this a great dress to layer under a cropped jacket to maximize your styling options. — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2026

Her outfit included a corset-style bodice and teeny striped shorts, with a ruffled collar, over-the-knee stockings, and red heels tying it all together. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 Nov. 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