full dress

¹

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.

full-dress

²

[fool-dres]

adjective

1. formal and complete in all details.

   a full-dress uniform.

2. done or presented completely or thoroughly.

full dress

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of full dress¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Origin of full dress²

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

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

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Members of the UK's armed forces have paraded through the streets of central London during the night in a full dress rehearsal for the King's coronation.

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

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We had three rehearsals, one off-site, one on-site and then a full dress rehearsal in the morning.

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Earlier, outside the hall in front of me was a full dress rehearsal for the Queen's state funeral - the Horse Guards with their shining helmets and the red sashes coming down from them.

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