full dress

¹ American  

noun

1. the formal attire customarily worn in the evening, usually consisting of black tailcoats and white bow ties for men, and floor-length dresses for women.

2. a ceremonial style of dress.

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full-dress ² American  

[fool-dres] / ˈfʊlˌdrɛs /

adjective

1. formal and complete in all details.

   a full-dress uniform.

2. done or presented completely or thoroughly.

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full dress British  

noun

1. 1. a formal or ceremonial style of dress, such as white tie and tails for a man and a full-length evening dress for a woman

   2. ( as modifier )

      full-dress uniform

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Etymology

Origin of full dress¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Origin of full-dress²

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

I had a full dress with a Cinderella icon on it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Yeoman of the Guard in full dress uniform have started their journey, and behind the scenes things are being prepared for the procession.

From BBC • May 4, 2023

She met her future husband while appearing with him in operas in which she had only seen him in full dress in elderly roles.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2023

But to see him in full dress and going full go was impressive.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2021

To either side of the rifle and sword were posters that showed Marines standing tall in their full dress uniform.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac