dressed; dressing; dresses
1
a
: to make or set straight
b
: to arrange (troops, equipment, etc.) 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 (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
e
: to put through a finishing process
especially
: to trim and smooth the surface of (a material, such as lumber or stone)
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
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
Synonyms
Examples of dress in a Sentence
Verb
They dressed themselves in a hurry.
He dressed the child in a snowsuit.
She showered, dressed, and ate breakfast.
She dressed warmly for skiing.
She is dressing for the opera.
They always dress for dinner.
The nurse dressed the cut on my knee.
Noun
She wore dresses only on special occasions.
She wore a short black dress to the party.
Her wedding dress was decorated with lace.
The guests were clothed in traditional Indian dress.
It is wise to wear conservative dress to an interview.
Adjective
I wore dress pants and a nice sweater.
the naval commander wore his dress uniform to the ball
Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024
Of course, outdoor activities in cold climates require precautions, including dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, being cautious on icy trails, and pacing oneself.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
The couple also had their closest circle dress for the occasion.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
Daniel B. Kline, USA TODAY, 31 Aug. 2017
Dress code controversies are nothing new, especially in the era of social media.
—Rafael Guerrero, chicagotribune.com, 29 Aug. 2017
See all Example Sentences for dress 
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Verb
On a vacation in Saint-Tropez, Amal Clooney stayed loyal to the last iteration of the trend, dressed in a colorful, multi-patterned mini dress from Stella McCartney’s 2015 resort collection and Cindy Crawford paired a patterned Ulla Johnson midi skirt with a graphic tee and leather sandals.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024
Of course, outdoor activities in cold climates require precautions, including dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, being cautious on icy trails, and pacing oneself.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
Last year's pick was a warm green Anthropologie dress.
—Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
The couple also had their closest circle dress for the occasion.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
That's the case even if the job does not require dress clothes.
—Daniel B. Kline, USA TODAY, 31 Aug. 2017
Dress code controversies are nothing new, especially in the era of social media.
—Rafael Guerrero, chicagotribune.com, 29 Aug. 2017
See all Example Sentences for dress
Articles Related to dress
Dictionary Entries Near dress
Cite this Entry
“Dress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dress
1 of 3 verb1
: to make or set straight
2
a
: to put clothes on
b
: to provide with clothing
c
: to put on or wear formal or fancy clothes
3
: to trim or decorate for display
4
: to put in order
5
a
: to apply dressings or medicine to
dress a wound
b
: to arrange (as the hair) by combing, brushing, or curling
d
: to kill and prepare for market
dress a chicken
e
: to apply manure or fertilizer to
dress
2 of 3 noun1
2
: an outer garment with a skirt for a woman or child
3
: clothing appropriate to a particular time or occasion
Roman dress
evening dress
dress
3 of 3 adjective1
: suitable or required for a formal occasion
dress clothes
2
: relating to or used for a dress
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