dressing

American  

[dres-ing] / ˈdrɛs ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that dresses.

2. a sauce for food.

   salad dressing.

3. stuffing for a fowl.

   turkey dressing.

4. material used to dress or cover a wound.

5. manure, compost, or other fertilizers.

6. the ornamental detail of a building, especially that around openings.

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dressing British  

/ ˈdrɛsɪŋ /

noun

1. a sauce for food, esp for salad

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): stuffing.  a mixture of chopped and seasoned ingredients with which poultry, meat, etc, is stuffed before cooking

3. a covering for a wound, sore, etc

4. manure or artificial fertilizer spread on land

5. size used for stiffening textiles

6. the processes in the conversion of certain rough tanned hides into leather ready for use

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Etymology

Origin of dressing

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at dress, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Dressing up layoffs as visionary moves for the age of AI carries certain risks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Dressing in traditionally masculine clothing, paired with a deep, raspy delivery, helps her lyrics resonate with locals without the extra hurdle of hyper-sexualized expectations.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2025

There’s also crispy red rice and TJ’s Green Goddess Ranch Dressing, which is made from buttermilk, champagne vinegar, lemon, parsley, basil, green onion and chives.

From Salon • Aug. 22, 2025

Dressing room access will be restricted and never allowed during team talks.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

Dressing for company meant impersonating a crazy flower, apparently.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon

Related Words

• filling
• stuffing