bodice

noun

bod·​ice ˈbä-dəs How to pronounce bodice (audio)
1
: the upper part of a woman's dress
2
archaic : corset, stays

Did you know?

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The black sheer bodice and the delicate white long skirt were covered with black and white floral embroidery and embellishments, including white petals on the right shoulder. Ada Tseng, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024 Grande wore an iridescent Versace dress had a deep V neckline and a structured bodice in a shimmery pale pink-white color. Catherine Santino, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 The actress and advocate wore a brown column dress with a halter neckline and subtle cutout on the bodice of the dress. Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024 The midi gown also featured ruching details around the waist and bodice. Chiara Kim, People.com, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bodice 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of bodies, plural of body entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bodice was circa 1567

Dictionary Entries Near bodice

Cite this Entry

“Bodice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodice. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bodice

noun
bod·​ice ˈbäd-əs How to pronounce bodice (audio)
: the upper part of a dress

More from Merriam-Webster on bodice

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!