corset

1 of 2

noun

cor·​set ˈkȯr-sət How to pronounce corset (audio)
1
: a usually close-fitting and often laced medieval jacket
2
: a woman's close-fitting boned supporting undergarment that is often hooked and laced and that extends from above or beneath the bust or from the waist to below the hips and has garters attached

corset

2 of 2

verb

corseted; corseting; corsets

transitive verb

1
: to dress in or fit with a corset
2
: to restrict closely : control rigidly

Examples of corset in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Not unlike Margot Robbie, who, with that precise swoop of a Samantha Jones bob, was photographed this week in Paris wearing a corset top, a low-slung skirt and strappy Jude heels, with an Alaïa Le Teckel bag, for dinner with her parents and husband. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 Anna’s sheer lace dress with a huge keyhole in the front and an open back is fine but also like a million other dresses; the same goes for Jude’s nicely constructed, but very familiar, black velvet dress with a corset. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
Schumer opted for a plunging white corset top with a sweetheart neckline and an asymmetrical peplum hemline that flared down to her upper thighs. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 In a video capturing the nighttime ceremony, the former Xscape singer, 51, can be seen making her entrance wearing a strapless white lace corset gown and carrying a bouquet. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corset

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of cors

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of corset was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

corsepresent
corset
corset cover
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Corset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corset. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

corset

1 of 2 noun
cor·​set ˈkȯr-sət How to pronounce corset (audio)
: a woman's tight stiff undergarment worn to support or give shape to waist and hips

corset

2 of 2 verb
: to dress in or fit with a corset

More from Merriam-Webster on corset

Nglish: Translation of corset for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corset

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