body image

American  

noun

1. an intellectual or idealized image of what one's body is or should be like that is sometimes misconceived in such mental disorders as anorexia nervosa.

---

body image British  

noun

1. psychol an individual's concept of his or her own body

---

Etymology

Origin of body image

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Sarah Bern, who played alongside Maher at Bristol Bears last season and is an England team-mate of Kildunne's, has spoken regularly about how she has struggled with body image, particularly as a teenager.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The cases center on users like Kaley G.M., the plaintiff in the Los Angeles case, who said she developed depression, chronic anxiety and body image issues from early and intense exposure to social media.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Yet the group also ventured into deeper territory — boundaries, mental health, body image and community.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

Patients weren’t confused about their body image or their desire to be thin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

They were sick of my demands for racial affinity support groups and more body image counseling for girls.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely