What does torso mean?
In modern English, a torso is the central portion of the human or animal body, excluding the head and limbs. The word is especially useful in anatomy, physical description, and discussions of art, where it distinguishes the body’s core from its extremities. For example, a writer may describe an athlete’s muscular torso, while a museum label may identify an ancient marble torso as a sculpture surviving without its head or limbs. Although “body” is broader and “trunk” is a frequent alternative, “torso” is more anatomically specific and often sounds more vivid or descriptive. In sculpture, it names the represented central part of a figure even when the head and limbs are absent. The word is neutral in register and used in both British and American English, without a strong regional distinction.
nounThe central part of the human or animal body, excluding the head and limbs. The word can also refer to a sculpted representation of a human body without its head or limbs.
- The central part of the human or animal body, excluding the head and limbs.
- A sculpted or depicted human body without its head or limbs.
"He turned to face the window, the muscles of his bare torso tense beneath his shirt."
"She brushed a towel across her torso after leaving the pool."
"The gallery displayed a marble torso whose missing arms and head gave the figure a timeless appearance."
The standard plural is “torsos.”
"The anatomy textbook shows the muscles of several human torsos."
Torso comes via Italian from a Latin word meaning “twisted,” giving the human body a surprisingly anatomical name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does torso come from?
English borrowed torso from Italian torso, which came from Latin torso, the neuter form of torsus, meaning “twisted.” Latin torsus was derived from torquere, “to twist” or “turn,” the same root found in related English words such as torsion, tortuous, and torque. The anatomical meaning reflects the idea of the body’s main trunk as distinct from its head and limbs.
Related word forms
How torso is actually used
The term is neutral and precise, especially in anatomy, art criticism, and descriptive writing. “Trunk” is a close formal alternative, while “body” is broader and “chest” refers only to the front portion of the upper trunk.
Easily confused with torso
A torso is the central part of a body, whereas a torse is primarily a twisted ring or wreath, often represented in sculpture.