Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

body

 - definition
 
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun American English pronunciation: body /ˈbɑdi/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularbody
pluralbodies
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [countable] the whole physical structure of a person or animal, including the head, arms, and legs

    My whole body ached.

    We do not really understand how mind and body interact.

    exercises to tone and shape the body

    the human body

    body fat:

    A trained athlete has very little body fat.

    body weight:

    Ants can carry many times their own body weight.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
    1. a.
      the main part of a person's or animal's body, not including the head, arms, or legs

      His head looks too big for his body.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
    2. b.
      the body of a dead person

      Police found a body buried in the woods.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
  2. 2
    [countable] a group of people who are connected in some way, often because they are involved in the same activity
    body of:

    There is a large body of people who would use public transportation if fares were cut.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
    1. a.
      a group of people who work together for an organization or the government and have important responsibilities

      The state government has set up a new body to inspect nursing homes.

      ruling body:

      the national governing body for wrestling in the U.S., USAW

      official body:

      The Senate is the official body that deals with these issues.

      professional body:

      The American Bar Association is a recognized professional body.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
    See also  governing body
  3. 3
    [countable] a large amount or collection of something such as knowledge, information, or work
    body of:

    There is a growing body of evidence to support this theory.

    These films represent a major body of work.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
  4. 4
    [singular] the main or central part of a building, not including areas at the side or parts that have been added later
    body of:

    The body of the church dates from the 15th century.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
    1. a.
      the main part of a book or document, not including the introduction, notes, or appendices (=parts added at the end)
      body of:

      He is not mentioned in the main body of the text.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
    2. b.
      the main outer part of a car, not including the engine or wheels, or the main outer part of a plane, not including the engine, wheels, or wings

      The body of the aircraft remained intact after the crash.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
  5. 5
    [uncountable] a thick healthy appearance of your hair

    products designed to give body to your hair

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
  6. 6
    [uncountable] the strong flavor of wine or another alcoholic drink
    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body
  7. 7
    [countable] British a body suit
    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of body

phrases

See also

This is the American English definition of body. View British English definition of body.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

charticle

a news article that consists of a chart … and only has a small amount of text

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

neutron

the part of the nucleus of an atom that has no electrical charge

Open Dictionary

never event

an event that should never occur in a healthcare setting …

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog