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

It is customary that during parliamentary proceedings, men wear a jacket and tie, and women a dress suit.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2019

He gave Nuhn a dress suit and the hat he wore during his initial Army training.

From Washington Times • Apr. 2, 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

She wore a navy blue dress suit with a modest skirt, white button-down blouse, heels and stockings.

From New York Times • Aug. 21, 2012

She sat in the front pew in a red dress suit, hands folded in her lap, listening to her husband preach about September 11.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot