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cocktail dress

American  
[kok-teyl dres] / ˈkɒkˌteɪl ˌdrɛs /

noun

  1. a semiformal, typically short dress, such as one might wear to a cocktail party.

    With a flouncy knee-length skirt and crisply tailored collar, this satin-organza cocktail dress serves up fun with a dash of formality.


Example Sentences

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Anderson, who had briefly worked as an actress in Hollywood, was a stunning blond socialite, clad in a black cocktail dress, with a penchant for impromptu dance.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 8, 2026

Inspired by the 1991 original by Christina Stambolian, this is a custom made off-the-shoulder pleated black silk and chiffon cocktail dress with mini chiffon train.

From BBC Nov. 20, 2023

In the following years, the cocktail dress underwent several design changes.

From Salon Sep. 23, 2023

Robbie attended a Barbie celebration party at the Museum of Contemporary Art in a Versace metallic pink cocktail dress.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 10, 2023

She pictured herself in the cocktail dress, and Dev in one of his suits, kissing her hand across the table.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

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