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.
a ceremonial style of dress.
formal and complete in all details.
a full-dress uniform.
done or presented completely or thoroughly.
First recorded in 1755–65
First recorded in 1755–65
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“If they came here, they would be in full dress and would be uncomfortable because people are in bathing suits and drinking.”
From New York Times ● Feb. 17, 2019
The aviators were resplendent in full dress as they drank cocktails in the anteroom before the call to dinner.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
The second was a dazzling full-dress demo normally provided only to potential corporate customers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026
“Any full-dress ruling would likely not come until the next term.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2025
A rich perfume wafts through the sixth floor of the Museum of Modern Art, where the installation of Ed Ruscha’s full-dress survey “Now Then” is underway.
From New York Times ● Sep. 1, 2023
When the inaugural class graduates in spring 2026, the Jesuit university wants a full-dress commencement within the prison.
From Washington Post ● May 18, 2022
“General Peckem even recommends that we send our men into combat in full-dress uniform so they’ll make a good impression on the enemy when they’re shot down.”
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
