torso

USAGE SUMMARY

'torso' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun meaning the body excluding the head, arms, and legs. For example, "The police found a torso in the river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even in a simple court dance, he's emphatic about the precise musical beat on which the foot has to be placed flat on the ground, the accent of a plié, the height at which a pointed toe should be lifted, the twist or curve of a torso.

The Guardian

Within seconds, he had pumped 14 bullets from a kalashnikov through the car door and window, 12 of which went straight into her upper torso.

The Guardian

Ziegler, who was beside him, seemed unsure which weapon to use; in the space of seven seconds he returned his handgun to its holster, replaced it with a Taser-style stun gun that cast a red laser dot on Jeanetta's torso, only to put it away and switch back to his handgun.

The Guardian

Likewise, his astonishing photograph of Belmondo's naked torso hugging Seberg in a bedroom scene.

The Guardian - Arts

The male victim suffered injuries to his neck, back and torso but has been discharged from hospital.

The Guardian

After again yelling, "Fuckk," [X] punched the sheep in the head a fifth time – again bouncing the animal's head off the floor – and kicked the sheep in the torso.

The Guardian

His legs, his arms, his torso – it was everywhere.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was also a further award for Danny Boyle's Olympic opening ceremony, which follows in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe's torso, to win theatre event of the year.

The Guardian

Though the ABC was aware of the full range of complaints lodged by Peta, which included punching a lamb in the torso and standing on a sheep's head and neck, they received no specific mention in the story.

The Guardian

His naked torso is slicked with so much sweat I worry that if I squeeze too hard he'll fire across the stage like a bar of soap in the shower.

The Guardian - Music

He kidnapped the 67-year-old, whose torso and legs were found in the Niagara River.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing injuries or anatomical details, use "torso" for clinical accuracy and clarity. For example, "the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the torso".

Common error

If precision is crucial, avoid simply saying "torso" when you specifically mean the chest, abdomen, or back. Specify the exact region to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The noun "torso" primarily functions as a descriptive term for a specific part of the human or animal body. Ludwig shows examples where it is used to describe injuries, anatomical features, or artistic representations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

The Economist

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Lifestyle

6%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "torso" is a commonly used noun that refers to the main part of the human or animal body, excluding the head, arms, and legs. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable word. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using "torso", be mindful of the level of precision required and specify "upper torso" or "lower torso" for clarity when needed. Alternative terms include "trunk" and "body", but these are broader and may not always be suitable substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trunk

A more general term for the body's main part, interchangeable in many contexts.

body

An even broader term, encompassing the entire physical being, but can often refer to the torso specifically.

upper body

Focuses specifically on the part of the body above the waist.

midsection

Emphasizes the central part of the torso, around the abdomen.

chest

Refers specifically to the front part of the torso, above the abdomen.

abdomen

Denotes the region between the thorax and the pelvis.

core

Focuses on the muscles of the torso, especially in athletic contexts.

human frame

A more poetic way to refer to the structure of the body, including the torso.

bodice

Refers to the upper part of a dress, but can also evoke the idea of the torso.

physical form

General, but applicable in discussions of anatomy or physical description.

FAQs

How to use "torso" in a sentence?

You can use "torso" to describe the central part of the body. For example, "The artist sculpted a marble torso."

What can I say instead of "torso"?

Alternatives include "trunk" or "body", depending on the context. "Upper body" is also an option if you are referring to only the top part of the torso.

Which is correct, "torso" or "thorax"?

"Torso" refers to the main part of the human body excluding the head, arms, and legs, while "thorax" is the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, encased by the ribs. "Torso" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "torso" and "trunk"?

"Torso" specifically refers to the human body, while "trunk" can be used for both humans and animals to describe the main body part.