torso: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “torso” mean?
The central part of the human body, excluding the head, neck, and limbs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central part of the human body, excluding the head, neck, and limbs; the trunk.
The main or central part of an object, structure, or concept, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Similar in both variants, associated with anatomy, art, and formal description.
Frequency
Equally common in British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “torso” in a Sentence
the torso of [noun][possessive] torso[adjective] torsoVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in health, fitness, or fashion industries.
Academic
Common in anatomy, art history, medical studies, and biology.
Everyday
Used in descriptions of the body, fitness routines, or general conversation.
Technical
Frequent in medical, artistic, and anatomical terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “torso”
- Mispronouncing as 'tor-so' with a hard 'r' in non-rhotic accents
- Using 'torso' to refer to the entire body including limbs.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for humans, but it can be extended to animals or objects in metaphorical or artistic contexts.
'Torso' is more specific to humans and often used in formal or anatomical settings, while 'trunk' can be more general and is also used for animals or trees.
In British English, it is pronounced as /ˈtɔː.səʊ/, with a long 'o' sound and no strong 'r'.
No, 'torso' is strictly a noun and does not have standard verb or adjective forms; derived terms like 'torso-like' are rare and informal.
The central part of the human body, excluding the head, neck, and limbs.
Torso is usually neutral to formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “torso twist”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'torso' as the 'core' of the body, like the central part of a torch that holds everything together.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often represents the main or essential part of something, e.g., 'the torso of the argument' implies the central idea.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'torso'?