dress rehearsal
Americannoun
-
dress rehearsals
plural
noun
-
the last complete rehearsal of a play or other work, using costumes, scenery, lighting, etc, as for the first night
-
any full-scale practice
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of dress rehearsal
First recorded in 1820–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“A real dress rehearsal for Game 1, not wanting those first snaps to be Game 1,” Harbaugh said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
If the data turned hotter or colder, the rival drafts were a dress rehearsal for recasting policy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
He told everyone it was a pleasure to be there as a dress rehearsal for testifying before Congress.
From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026
One set is given by a jury of music industry professionals after watching the second dress rehearsal.
From Barron's ● May 16, 2026
"It's the dress rehearsal, and I don't have any shoes to wear!"
From "The Cinderella Ballet Mystery: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #4" by Carolyn Keene
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