corset

American  

[kawr-sit] / ˈkɔr sɪt /

noun

• corsets
  plural

1. Sometimes corsets. a close-fitting undergarment, stiffened with whalebone or similar material and often capable of being tightened by lacing, enclosing the trunk: worn, especially by women, to shape and support the body; stays.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to dress or furnish with or as if with a corset.

2. to regulate strictly; constrict.

corset British  

/ ˈkɔːsɪt /

noun

1. 1. a stiffened, elasticated, or laced foundation garment, worn esp by women, that usually extends from below the chest to the hips, providing support for the spine and stomach and shaping the figure

   2. a similar garment worn because of injury, weakness, etc, by either sex

2. informal a restriction or limitation, esp government control of bank lending

3. a stiffened outer bodice worn by either sex, esp in the 16th century

---

verb

1. (tr) to dress or enclose in, or as in, a corset

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• corsetless
  adjective
• uncorseted
  adjective
• well-corseted
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• corsets
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of corset

1225–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to cors bodice, body + -et -et

---

Explanation

A corset is a fitted garment with stiff supports that cinch in the waist of the person who's wearing it. Corsets can be worn for back support, but women used to wear them to look skinny in their dresses. Historians believe that corsets have been around for more than three hundred years. As fashion has changed over time, the shape and construction of corsets has also changed — today, while corsets are mainly worn as costumes or for medical reasons, many women still wear "foundation garments," which differ from corsets only in material — the modern version is made of stretchy fabric rather than stiff bones or metal. Corset is an Old French word, from cors, or "body."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

corset corsets

Every star who has taken up the character’s corset and garters since has followed his lead.

From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026

This spring and summer, “Fashion in the 18th Century: A Fantasized Legacy” features original pieces like Marie Antoinette’s corset, while tracking the period’s impact on later designers such as Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 2026

The outfits are particularly special to the singer because she wore the same boots, corset and jacket during her Coachella performance 20 years ago.

From BBC ● Apr. 21, 2026

"I discovered that the vintage pieces that I wore went missing -- my costume that was pulled from my personal archives -- jacket, corset, dress and other garments," the diva wrote.

From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026

“I feel a little bit guilty—I’m suffocating you,” Teah said, pulling the corset tighter.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

Creative director Seán McGirr brought the brand back to its roots, with a runway of devil horns, lace corsets and chainmail skull dresses.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026

Slouchy hoodies over gossamer layers, wired cage-like corsets, an earthy milieu of silky, quilted and textured fabrics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

Women have been shedding clothes for over a century, starting with the corsets and structured undergarments of the Victorian era.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

French designer Paul Poiret looked to this history in the early 20th century when he began designing chic, architecturally inspired gowns that required no corsets or petticoats.

From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026

“You know better than to gallivant around wearing corsets and carrying firearms. You’re in your last year! I expect better from students about to graduate.”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• bodice
• underwear

---