bodice
noun
bod·ice ˈbä-dəs 
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Williams was given freedom of movement as well as a focus thanks to the elaborate bodice and skirt, which were inspired by the elegant competition gowns worn by figure skaters. 
Emerald Elitou, Essence, 2 Sep. 2022 Her first look was a sleeveless Alexander McQueen dress with a fitted bodice, floral jacquard detailing and a jewel neckline. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2022 Lipa wore matching white underwear under the sheer mesh bodice. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Aug. 2022 The dirndl consists of a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron. Gere Goble, The Enquirer, 26 Aug. 2022 Three and a half weeks before the wedding, Ms. Mishkin began making her two-piece wedding dress — a bodice with a sweetheart neckline and a skirt — out of egg-white, four-ply silk with a Swiss lace-netting overlay. New York Times, 19 Aug. 2022 Supermodel Christy Turlington first wore the dress — which features a sheer bodice and straps leading to a high neck — on the 1992 Versace runway in Milan. Dan Heching, PEOPLE.com, 4 Apr. 2022 The bodice is made from black velvet with mesh shoulders and sleeves, and her tights repeat the pattern with cutouts and straps across her thighs. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 20 Aug. 2022 Ladies should wear wedge sandals and summer dresses with fake bloodstains tastefully splashed across the bodice. Ali Ruth, The New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2022 See More
Emerald Elitou, Essence, 2 Sep. 2022 Her first look was a sleeveless Alexander McQueen dress with a fitted bodice, floral jacquard detailing and a jewel neckline. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2022 Lipa wore matching white underwear under the sheer mesh bodice. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Aug. 2022 The dirndl consists of a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron. Gere Goble, The Enquirer, 26 Aug. 2022 Three and a half weeks before the wedding, Ms. Mishkin began making her two-piece wedding dress — a bodice with a sweetheart neckline and a skirt — out of egg-white, four-ply silk with a Swiss lace-netting overlay. New York Times, 19 Aug. 2022 Supermodel Christy Turlington first wore the dress — which features a sheer bodice and straps leading to a high neck — on the 1992 Versace runway in Milan. Dan Heching, PEOPLE.com, 4 Apr. 2022 The bodice is made from black velvet with mesh shoulders and sleeves, and her tights repeat the pattern with cutouts and straps across her thighs. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 20 Aug. 2022 Ladies should wear wedge sandals and summer dresses with fake bloodstains tastefully splashed across the bodice. Ali Ruth, The New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
bodice
noun
bod·ice ˈbä-dəs
: the upper part of a dress
- slipping into
- slipping on or into
- slipping out
- slipping up
- slippy
- sliprail
- slips
- slips (into)
- slips (on or into)
- slips away
- slips in
- slips into
- slips on or into
- slips out
- slips up
- slipsheeted
- slipsheeting
- slipsheets
- slipshod
- slipshodder
- slipshoddest
- slipshoddiness
- slipshoddinesses
- slipshoder
- slipshodest