plural bodies
1
a
: the main part of a plant or animal body especially as distinguished from limbs and head : trunk
held her arms close to her body
a bird with a yellow body and head and black markings on its wings
b
: the main, central, or principal part: such as
(1)
architecture
: the nave of a church
(2)
: the bed or box of a vehicle on or in which the load is placed
(3)
: the enclosed or partly enclosed part of an automobile
the truck's body, hood, and fenders
2
a
: the organized physical substance of an animal or plant either living or dead
She has a muscular body.
body parts
normal body temperature
: such as
(1)
: the material part or nature of a human being
when the soul leaves the body
(2)
: a dead organism : corpse
The body was shipped home for burial.
b
: a human being : person
What's a body to do?
3
a
: a mass of matter distinct from other masses
a body of water
the movements of celestial bodies
b
: something that embodies or gives concrete reality to a thing
his intuitions of the future may still give body to a better world—
New York Times
New York Times
also
: a sensible object in physical space
4
a
clothing
: the part of a garment covering the trunk or torso
the body of a wet suit
b
: the main part of a literary or journalistic work : text sense 2b
The body of the article is devoted to an analysis of the problem.
c
: the sound box or pipe of a musical instrument
5
: a group of persons or things: such as
a
: a fighting unit : force
a body of cavalry
b
: a group of individuals organized for some purpose
a legislative body
the university's student body
6
a
: fullness and richness of flavor (as of wine)
a wine with full body
b
: viscosity, consistency
—used especially of oils and grease
c
: denseness, fullness, or firmness of texture
Her hair lacks body and shine.
d
music
: fullness or resonance (see resonance sense 2) of a musical tone
bodied; bodying
1
: to give form or shape to : embody
2
3
basketball, informal
: to use one's body to forcefully block or move (an opposing player)
If Jordan spins past him or bodies him away, Russell won't give up on the play.—Ian Thomsen
—often used with upIan ThomsenThe most physical player this side of Shaq, Artest not only bodies up forwards but also has the quickness to defend shooting guards.—L. Jon Wertheim
L. Jon WertheimExamples of body in a Sentence
Noun
a part of the body
Her body is very muscular.
A bird's body is covered in feathers.
This species has a black body and a white head.
She held her arms tightly against her body.
There was extensive damage to the truck's body.
The body of the bus is almost entirely rusted out.
Verb
abstract sculpture that bodies forth the artist's aesthetic of minimalism
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Try eating smaller meals more often to get the energy and nutrients your body needs.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
Jana Prikryl, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
His or her voice is the means by which the author’s work is bodied forth, and is the main channel along which thought and feeling are to flow.
—Adam Verner
september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for body
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The soft, breathable cotton blend fabric floats away from the body and can be worn both over a shirt and under a jacket.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Try eating smaller meals more often to get the energy and nutrients your body needs.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
Each syllable an aeon, each body its true size.
—Jana Prikryl, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
His or her voice is the means by which the author’s work is bodied forth, and is the main channel along which thought and feeling are to flow.
—Adam Verner
september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for body
Video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Cite this Entry
“Body.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/body. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
body
noun
plural bodies
1
a
: the organized physical substance of an animal or plant either living or dead: as
(1)
: the material part or nature of a human being
(2)
: a dead organism : corpse
b
: a human being
2
a
: the main part of a plant or animal body especially as distinguished from limbs and head : trunk
b
: the main part of an organ (as the uterus)
3
: a kind or form of matter : a material substance
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