overdress

American  

[oh-ver-dres, oh-ver-dres] / ˌoʊ vərˈdrɛs, ˈoʊ vərˌdrɛs /

verb (used with or without object)

overdressed, overdressing

1. to dress with too much display, finery, or formality.

   He certainly overdressed for the occasion.

2. to put excessive clothing on.

   She tends to overdress her children.

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noun

1. a dress worn over another, which it covers either partially or completely.

overdress British  

verb

1. to dress (oneself or another) too elaborately or finely

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noun

1. a dress that may be worn over a jumper, blouse, etc

Etymology

Origin of overdress

First recorded in 1700–10; over- + dress

Example Sentences

“It’s just flagrantly obnoxious to overdress in a workplace situation, especially when you’re a junior member,” said Gunn, best known for being a clear-eyed mentor on the fashion-design competition show “Project Runway.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

“The sweetness means it can take an acid nicely,” notes the chef, who instructs his staff to slightly overdress Little Gems because he finds the “juiciness” of the leaves slightly dilutes the dressing.

From Washington Post • Mar. 18, 2022

Still, it’s hard to resist the temptation to overdress.

From Slate • Oct. 24, 2020

“She is very good-looking, of course, but she tends to overdress for the occasion.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2019

There is a vulgar tendency among all Americans to overdress which you must avoid.

From At Boarding School with the Tucker Twins by Speed, Nell

Related Words

• attire
• clothe
• deck out
• embellish
• spruce up