body

\ ˈbä-dē

How to pronounce body (audio)

\

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

(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

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

c : aggregate, quantity a body of evidence

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.

d music : fullness or resonance (see resonance sense 2) of a musical tone

body

bodied; bodying

Definition of body (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to give form or shape to : embody

2 : represent, symbolize —usually used with forthnever been a poet who enjoyed the sensuous world with more gusto … or who more solidly bodied it forth— Edmund Wilson

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

Other Words from body Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about body

Keep scrolling for more

Examples 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: Noun By far, the cutest member of the family was the young duckling with its distinctive black and white stripes on its body. — Cori Brown, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Cori Brown: Walk on the wild side in Germany," 10 Nov. 2019 The medical examiner found five bruises on her body, the lawsuit said. — Mallory Moench, SFChronicle.com, "EEOC sues Sprint retailer over alleged sexual assault in Sacramento," 7 Nov. 2019 The industry bodies suggest shorter hours would make trading a happier work environment, as well as a more diverse one. — Cassie Werber, Quartz at Work, "London’s workaholic traders want shorter hours to improve “culture, diversity, and wellbeing”," 7 Nov. 2019 An officer’s body camera in January recorded Deputy Jorge Sobrino punching a man in the head at the hospital. — Eileen Kelley, sun-sentinel.com, "School cop arrested after video shows him grabbing girl by the neck and slamming her to the floor," 5 Nov. 2019 Those officers are not required to wear body cameras, like city officers, prompting concerns about accountability for officers accused of wrongdoing. — New York Times, "The Subway Is in Financial Crisis. Are 500 More Police Officers Needed?," 5 Nov. 2019 The other chemicals include vitamins, minerals (including the electrolytes sodium and potassium), and plant hormones like cytokinins (that may benefit the body in various ways). — Alexandra Hansen, Quartzy, "The health benefits of coconut water have been greatly overstated," 5 Nov. 2019 Betts came up as a second baseman but has turned into the best right fielder in the majors based on his body of work and accolades. — BostonGlobe.com, "You're using a browser set to private or incognito mode.," 4 Nov. 2019 In August, a suburban Boston hit-and-run driver was arrested in an accident that killed an avid runner whose body was found on a neighbor’s lawn. — William J. Kole, The Know, "Elite runner’s close call inspires road safety campaign," 3 Nov. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Instead - indicative of a player bereft of ideas and confidence - the 23-year-old could only limply tap the ball into Maguire's path, before allowing himself to be bodied away in the ultimate display of physical inferiority. — SI.com, "Demarai Gray: The Leicester City Nowhere Man Whose Time Is Running Out to Impress," 18 Sep. 2019 Vienna Lager resembles Oktoberfest beers, or Märzens, in flavor, but the lager is lighter bodied, with slightly less malt character and more bitterness — and more drinkability. — Jay R. Brooks, The Mercury News, "Beer trend alert: The resurgence of Mexican lager," 6 Sep. 2019 Not only does Oregon State need a big-bodied back in the class of 2020, but Newell is also one of the West Coast’s most productive playmakers. — oregonlive.com, "Isaiah Newell, key Oregon State Beavers RB target, ready to announce commitment Thursday morning," 14 Aug. 2019 The William Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016, which is dry, buttery, medium-bodied, and full of orchard fruit like apples and pears, allows food to shine while mellowing and balancing seasoning and spice. — Sara Mae Albert, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Plan a Casual Chic Dinner Party," 2 Aug. 2019 And Otazu does it well, medium-bodied with flavors of ripe peaches and apricots and a slight note of bitterness at the end. — Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, "This $13 Spanish red will provide a delightful match for all your grilled food," 5 July 2019 And this is far from the first time Kellerman bodied Hollins like that. — Khadrice Rollins, SI.com, "Max Kellerman Absolutely Roasted Ryan Hollins in the Smoothest Way Possible," 25 June 2019 Half a million years ago, our ancestors were heavier-bodied, with relatively bigger males, more masculine faces and bigger teeth. — Richard Wrangham, WSJ, "Humans: The Domesticated Primates," 10 Jan. 2019 This is a fresh, well-balanced, medium-bodied, dry white with notes of pear and lime and a firm mineral edge. — Lettie Teague, WSJ, "The Wines We’ll Be Drinking in 2019," 19 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'body.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about body

Dictionary Entries near body

Statistics for body

Last Updated

14 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Body.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/body?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=b&file=body0001. Accessed 22 November 2019.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for body

body

noun

English Language Learners Definition of body

: a person's or animal's whole physical self

: a dead person or animal

: the main physical part of a person or animal

See the full definition for body in the English Language Learners Dictionary

body

\ ˈbä-dē

\

plural bodies

Kids Definition of body

1 : the physical whole of a live or dead person or animal the human body

2 : the main part of a person, animal, or plant She held her arms tightly against her body.

3 : a human being The resort offered everything a body could want.

4 : the main or central part the body of a letter

5 : the main part of a motor vehicle

6 : a group of persons or things united for some purpose a body of troops

7 : a mass or portion of something distinct from other masses a body of water

body

\ ˈbäd-ē

\

plural bodies

Medical Definition of body

1a : 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

2a : 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

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

heterodox

not agreeing with established beliefs

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

Name these cookies!

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.