plural bodies
Definition of body
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : 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
(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
2a : 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?
3a : 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 also : a sensible object in physical space
4a 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
6a : 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.
body
verbbodied; bodying
Definition of body (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to give form or shape to : embody
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 upThe 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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizName That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quizWord Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share body
Time Traveler for body
The first known use of body was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century