bodily

1 of 2

adjective

bodi·​ly ˈbä-də-lē 

1

: having a body : physical

2

: of or relating to the body

bodily comfort

bodily organs

bodily

2 of 2

adverb

1

a

: in the flesh

b

: in a manner that involves physically moving someone's body

The blast lifted him bodily into the air.

Jerry Wexler called him a "parasite" and threw him bodily out of his office.

—Jack Kroll

2

: as a whole : altogether

Synonyms

Adjective

• animal
• carnal
• corporal
• corporeal
• fleshly
• material
• physical
• somatic

Examples of bodily in a Sentence

Adjective

The victim suffered serious bodily injury.

the old man suffered from a number of bodily ailments

Adverb

The blast lifted him bodily into the air.

The house will have to be moved bodily to the new site.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Played by a seemingly fearless Will Price, Lucas is a daredevil chasing great bodily harm following the off-screen death of his father. —Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

Brittney Leigh Hensley, 37, was arrested by the Ocean Springs police and charged with felony child abuse causing serious bodily harm, according to her online booking record. —Emily Palmer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Adverb

Managing possible anxiety, depression, bodily changes and the transition to motherhood—while navigating fears of childbirth and ensuring proper healthcare—can feel overwhelming, especially without sufficient support or information. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Other options, observations The auto insurance overhaul in Michigan also set new purchase requirements for bodily injury liability coverage. —Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 20 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

bodily

1 of 2 adjective

bodi·​ly ˈbäd-ᵊl-ē 

: of or relating to the body : physical

bodily

2 of 2 adverb

1

: in the flesh : by the body

removed them bodily

2

: as a whole : entirely

Medical Definition

bodily

adjective

bodi·​ly ˈbäd-ᵊl-ē 

: of or relating to the body

bodily organs