dress suit

American  

[dres soot] / ˈdrɛs ˌsut /

noun

1. a formal or semiformal ensemble, typically for a man, with matching jacket and trousers, usually worn with a dress shirt and necktie, sometimes including a vest.

2. a woman’s ensemble for semiformal or professional wear, comprising a jacket or blazer paired with a matching dress or skirt.

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dress suit British  

noun

1. an ensemble of matching formal evening wear

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Etymology

Origin of dress suit

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Half a jacket hung from a shoulder and met half a molded slip dress; suit jackets covered in minute ruffles trailed on the floor like a train.

From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2018

For a honeymoon photo in Scotland in 1981, Charles wore his kilt while Diana chose a brown tweed woolen dress suit by designer Bill Pashley, a nod to the royal family’s traditional country wear.

From Washington Times • Aug. 29, 2017

The 'ominous' is wiped away with four magical snaps -- lights, music, dress, suit -- and a tale as old as time comes to life.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2014

I once mistakenly lent a dress suit to a producer.

From The Guardian • Apr. 8, 2011

Seidel went home and put on two layers of clothes, a track suit over a dress suit.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin