What does "body" mean?

1. (physical frame) the whole physical structure of a person or animal. 2. (main part of a text) the main part of a letter, book, or article, not including the start or end. 3. (an organized group) a group of people who work together for a specific purpose. 4. (a large amount) a large amount or collection of something, like information or water. 5. (physical object) an object in space or a solid item. 6. (to defeat or overpower) to completely defeat someone, especially in a game or a fight.

How do you use "body"?

This verb is transitive and usually describes a physical or competitive dominance.

body

US //ˈbɑdi// UK //bˈɒdi// body

1 physical frame (n.)
A1 Beginner

the whole physical structure of a person or animal.

the entire physical organism of a human or animal, whether living or dead.

Example

You should exercise regularly to keep your body healthy and strong.

Example

The athlete's body was perfectly conditioned for the marathon after months of rigorous endurance training and strict nutritional management.
- soul
- mind
2 main part of a text (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the main part of a letter, book, or article, not including the start or end.

the central or main portion of a document or composition, distinct from the introduction, conclusion, or appendices.

Example

The body of the email explained the details of the new project.

Example

While the introduction was brief, the body of the report contained a comprehensive analysis of the quarterly financial data.
- preface
- appendix

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3 an organized group (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

a group of people who work together for a specific purpose.

a collective group of people organized for a particular function or task.

Example

The student body voted to change the school's lunch menu.

Example

The governing body of the university met to discuss the proposed changes to the faculty tenure policy.
- individual
4 a large amount (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a large amount or collection of something, like information or water.

a substantial collection or mass of something, often used for knowledge or water.

Example

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests sleep is vital for memory.

Example

The researchers examined a vast body of literature before concluding that the previous theories were outdated.
- fragment
- bit
5 physical object (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

an object in space or a solid item.

a separate physical entity or a three-dimensional object.

Example

The moon is a natural body that orbits the Earth.

Example

In physics, a rigid body is an idealization of a solid object in which deformation is neglected.
6 to defeat or overpower (v.)
C1 Advanced Slang Informal

to completely defeat someone, especially in a game or a fight.

to decisively defeat or overpower an opponent; often used in competitive contexts or gaming.

Example

Our team totally bodied the other side in the final match.

Example

The underdog unexpectedly bodied the reigning champion in the first round of the tournament, shocking the spectators.

Usage

This verb is transitive and usually describes a physical or competitive dominance.
- lose

Idioms5 entries