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

Like Johnson’s attire, Hathaway’s look incorporated plenty of sparkle, though the crushed fabric on the bodice creating a rosette effect certainly elevated the look. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Rosalía chose a dancer-like pink dress with a close-fitting bodice and flared mini-skirt and pink heeled ballerina pumps, an off-duty iteration of some of her Lux tour balletic looks. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026

The diamanté detailing continued down the bodice in the form of glittering buttons and brilliant seams along the waist. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Reviewers all agree that the smocked bodice on this maxi dress fits beautifully. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 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