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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.
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Examples of bodice in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Comedian Nikki Glaser turned heads in a silver satin gown featuring a corset-style bodice, side cutouts and a thigh-high slit.
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Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
The Belgian queen consort wore the British designer’s Electra gown, crafted in a bold sapphire tone with shimmering embellishments on the bodice and sleeves.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Davis's sparkling dress featured a sculptural bodice with a unique, pointed neckline that directed the eye toward the Academy Award-winning actress's face.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 24 May 2026
The latter preferred a black mermaid gown (also from Fall 2026) with a lace bodice embroidered with pearls.
—Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 23 May 2026
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Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
The Belgian queen consort wore the British designer’s Electra gown, crafted in a bold sapphire tone with shimmering embellishments on the bodice and sleeves.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Davis's sparkling dress featured a sculptural bodice with a unique, pointed neckline that directed the eye toward the Academy Award-winning actress's face.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 24 May 2026
The latter preferred a black mermaid gown (also from Fall 2026) with a lace bodice embroidered with pearls.
—Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bodice
Cite this Entry
“Bodice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodice. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bodice
noun
bod·ice
ˈbäd-əs 
: the upper part of a dress
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