torso

noun

tor·​so ˈtȯr-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce torso (audio)
plural torsos or torsi ˈtȯr-ˌsē How to pronounce torso (audio)
1
: the human body apart from the head, neck, arms, and legs : the human trunk
2
: a sculptured representation of the trunk of a human body
3
: something (such as a piece of writing) that is mutilated or left unfinished

Examples of torso in a Sentence

exercises that strengthen the torso

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, stalk, from Latin thyrsus stalk, thyrsus

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of torso was in 1722

Dictionary Entries Near torso

torsk

torso

tort

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Torso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torso. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

torso

noun
tor·​so ˈtȯr-sō How to pronounce torso (audio)
plural torsos or torsi -ˌsē How to pronounce torso (audio)
: the human body except for the head, arms, and legs

Medical Definition

torso

noun
tor·​so ˈtȯr-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce torso (audio)
plural torsos or torsi ˈtȯr-ˌsē How to pronounce torso (audio)
: the human trunk

More from Merriam-Webster on torso

Nglish: Translation of torso for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of torso for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about torso

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
little chihuahua dressing like a turkey for thanksgiving
Is That Gratitude or Attitude? A Thanksgiving Quiz Decide which words express gratitude and which gi...