First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1dress
verb \ˈdres\
: to put clothes on (yourself or someone else)
: to put clothes on yourself
: to put on or wear a particular type or style of clothes
Full Definition of DRESS
transitive verb
1
a : to make or set straight b : to arrange (as troops) in a straight line and at proper intervals
2
: to prepare for use or service; specifically : to prepare for cooking or for the table <dress a salad>
3
: to add decorative details or accessories to : embellish
4
a : to put clothes on <dress a child> b : to provide with clothing <feed and dress a growing family>
5
archaic : dress down
6
a : to apply dressings or medicaments to <dress a wound> b (1) : to arrange (as the hair) by combing, brushing, or curling (2) : to groom and curry (an animal) c : to kill and prepare for market or for consumption —often used with out d : cultivate, tend; especially : to apply manure or fertilizer to <dress a field> e : to put through a finishing process; especially : to trim and smooth the surface of (as lumber or stone)
intransitive verb
1
a : to put on clothing b : to put on or wear formal, elaborate, or fancy clothes <dress for dinner>
2
of a food animal : to weigh after being dressed —often used with out
3
: to align oneself with the next soldier in a line to make the line straight
— dress ship
: to ornament a ship for a celebration by hoisting national ensigns at the mastheads and running a line of signal flags and pennants from bow to stern
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Origin of DRESS
Middle English, from Anglo-French drescer, dresser to direct, put right, Vulgar Latin *directiare, from Latin directus direct, past participle of dirigere to direct, from dis- + regere to lead straight — more at right
2dress
noun
: a piece of clothing for a woman or a girl that has a top part that covers the upper body and a skirt that hangs down to cover the legs
: a particular type of clothing
Full Definition of DRESS
2
: an outer garment (as for a woman or girl) usually consisting of a one-piece bodice and skirt
3
: covering, adornment, or appearance appropriate or peculiar to a particular time
4
: a particular form of presentation : guise
See dress defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DRESS
1606
Other Clothing Terms
3dress
adjective
: suitable or required for a formal event
Full Definition of DRESS
1
: suitable for a formal occasion <dress clothes> <dress shoes>
2
: requiring or permitting formal dress <a dress affair>
3
: relating to or used for a dress <dress material>
See dress defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DRESS
1767
Other Clothing Terms
DRESSED Defined for Kids
1dress
verb \ˈdres\
dresseddress·ing
Definition of DRESS for Kids
1
: to put clothes on
2
: to put on clothes in a particular way <Be sure to dress warmly.>
3
: to wear formal or fancy clothes <Do I have to dress for dinner?>
4
: to apply medicine or bandages to <dress a wound>
5
: to trim or decorate for display <dress a store window>
6
: to prepare for cooking or eating <dress a chicken> <dress the salad>
— dress up
1
: to put on formal or fancy clothes
2
: to put on a costume <I'm dressing up as a skeleton.>
2dress
noun
Definition of DRESS for Kids
1
: a piece of clothing for a woman or girl that has a top part that covers the upper body and that is connected to a skirt covering the lower body
2
: clothing <He wore traditional dress.>
3dress
adjective
Definition of DRESS for Kids
: proper for a formal event <dress clothes>
Medical Dictionary
dress
verb \ˈdres\
Medical Definition of DRESS
: to apply dressings or medicaments to
Learn More About DRESS
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