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

Letizia paired the sandals with & Other Stories’ cotton midi wrap dress in red, cut with a crossover neckline, short wide sleeves and a self-tie belt at the waist, with soft gathers through the bodice and skirt. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 June 2026

The walls are glutted with oil portraits, and antiques sourced from l’Isle-sur-Sorgue are the real thing; staff are dressed in somewhat cumbersome costume (medieval-style bodices and straw boaters) but ever attentive. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

Beaded fringe decorated both padded shoulders, with additional tassels emanating from the bodice. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 29 May 2026

Ruth Negga appeared at the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival in a white custom Christian Dior creation with a peplum bodice and matching choker necklace. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 29 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