corset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "corset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of undergarment that shapes and supports the waist and bust, often associated with historical fashion or modern lingerie. Example: "She wore a beautiful corset under her gown, enhancing her silhouette for the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jenner was just as much of a woman a month ago during her Diane Sawyer interview in a blue button-down as she is today in a white corset: her womanhood is not and has never been defined by what she looks like outside, but how she feels inside – which is true of all trans women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Open Tues-Sun 9am-7pm This rustic hen-house-sized cafe in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has become a hit by freeing the French talent for cooking eggs from the corset of traditional cameo roles.

The Guardian - Travel

A black velvet cocktail dress with an internal corset, ripped hem and petticoat of white multi-layered silk mousseline was stunning; a floor-length gown in black velvet, with white beads shimmering along the throat and down the curves of a plunging back view was more Angelina Jolie than Maleficent, and all the better for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nigel Nicholson, a professor of organisational behaviour at the London Business School, called the matrix structure "one of the most difficult and least successful organisational forms".Messrs Ghoshal and Bartlett wrote in the past tense, suggesting that companies had escaped from the matrix corset.

The Economist

Kylie Minogue, a diminutive Australian singer, cavorted in a gold and black corset designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Jean-Paul Gaultier

The Economist

They may be right that Chile can loosen its corset a notch without falling back into the fiscal vices which were for so long the Latin American way.

The Economist

It would appear more volatile like a corset, debt masks nature's wobbles but actually be more flexible.

The Economist

But the whaling industry began its long decline more than 150 years ago, as demand for its products which ranged from candles to lamp oil, corset whalebone, cosmetics and engine lubricants evaporated with the appearance of petrochemicals, steel and plastics.All that is left of this once-thriving business is the market for whalemeat and, on the available evidence, this market is small and stagnant.

The Economist

Now the city council is a unitary authority, responsible for services such as housing and education, but pressed into its tight 19th-century corset, with the richer suburbs outside its boundaries.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The long-sleeved dress was made of ivory and white satin gazar and had a v-shaped neckline, a fitted waist, an almost 9-foot (2.7-metre) train, and a Victorian corset-style bodice a trademark McQueen design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Corsets and corset-style tops without structural supports retained an amount of popularity as outerwear, especially in alternative fashion, and were sometimes featured in the works of respected fashion designers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "corset" – it can evoke ideas of constraint, fashion, or historical periods. Choose your usage accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "corset" as a catch-all term for any type of shaping undergarment. Modern shapewear and historical corsets have distinct construction and purposes.

Linguistic Context

The word "corset" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific type of garment designed to shape the torso. It can also function as a verb, meaning to enclose something or someone within a "corset" or to restrict something. As noted by Ludwig, the word is commonly used and accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Independent

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "corset" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun and occasionally as a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It most commonly appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias, carrying connotations of fashion, history, and restriction. While generally neutral in register, context dictates formality. When writing about corsets, precision is essential to avoid misrepresenting their construction, historical significance, or purpose. Consider synonyms like "waist cincher" or "foundation garment" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waist cincher

Focuses specifically on the waist-shaping function of a corset.

figure-shaping undergarment

Highlights the garment's ability to alter the wearer's silhouette.

foundation garment

Highlights its role as a base layer for clothing, offering support and shape.

stays

An older term referring to the structural elements of a corset.

structured bodice

A bodice with boning or other support to create a specific shape.

girdle

Similar garment focusing on shaping the midsection.

bodice

Refers to the upper part of a garment, sometimes incorporating corset-like features.

shapewear

Modern term for garments designed to sculpt the body.

confinement

When used metaphorically, refers to the restrictive nature of a corset.

restrictive garment

Emphasizes the constricting aspect of wearing a corset.

FAQs

How is "corset" used as a verb?

As a verb, "corset" means to enclose in a corset or to restrict/confine. For example, "She was corseted into a tight dress" or "He felt corseted by societal expectations."

What materials were historically used to make a corset?

Historically, corsets were made with materials like whalebone, steel, linen, and leather. Modern corsets may use materials like steel boning, synthetic fabrics, and lace.

Is it appropriate to use the word "corset" in a professional setting?

It depends on the context. If you're discussing fashion history, costume design, or specific aspects of clothing, it's appropriate. However, using it metaphorically to describe restriction might be less suitable in formal contexts; consider alternatives like "constraint" or "limitation".

What's the difference between a "corset" and a "bodice"?

A "corset" is a garment designed to shape the torso and waist, often with boning for structure. A "bodice" is the upper part of a garment, from the waist to the shoulders, and may or may not include boning or shaping elements. A corset can be worn as an undergarment or as an outer garment, while a bodice is usually part of a larger dress or top.