bosomy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʊsəmi/
US
- /ˈbʊzəmi/adjective
Description
- Full-chested
- Full-breasted
- Curvaceous
- Large-figured
"Bosomy" describes someone—most commonly a woman—with a full, ample bust. It is an older term that is not always negative but often sounds dated and can come across as objectifying today. Classic paintings and older literature may refer to voluptuous figures this way. The term is most often used to stress physical shape rather than personality, so context matters.
Historically, it was tied to older ideals of beauty, motherhood, and femininity, so you are more likely to see it in historical fiction than modern, everyday speech. A period-style description might read, "She was a robust, bosomy woman." If you want to avoid unnecessary objectification, choose a more neutral phrasing unless you are clearly discussing period language or style.
The word "bosomy" is an adjective for someone—historically usually a woman—with large, prominent breasts. It suggests physical fullness and a curvaceous silhouette. The root is "bosom," which can mean the front of the chest, and in older usage it became a familiar descriptive label in literature, painting, and portrait writing.
Over time, especially in Victorian and other historical settings, the term was linked to narrow beauty standards and was often used to frame women as objects of desire, motherhood, or vitality. That is why modern usage may sound outdated. It is still grammatically valid and possible to use, but readers may read it as reducing someone to body type.
In current English, "bosomy" appears most in period-appropriate writing, art criticism, and comparative style analysis rather than neutral everyday conversation. You might see it in a line like, "The tavern owner was a bosomy, broad-shouldered woman who dominated the room." In modern contexts, it is often safer to choose alternatives like "full-chested," "well-endowed," or character-focused language, unless the historical register itself is the point.
Examples
- 1
Older fiction
In the old novel, the hero is greeted by a cheerful, bosomy widow at the inn.
- 2
Sexualized stereotype
The poster showed a bosomy blonde leaning over a red sports car.
Caution
bosomy blonde
a stereotyped, sexualized image; the phrase often sounds dated or sexist
- 3
Comedy criticism
Modern reviewers said the comedy's bosomy barmaids felt more awkward than funny.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- bosomyadjective