overdress

[ verb oh-ver-dres; noun oh-ver-dres ]

verb (used with or without object)

, o·ver·dressed, o·ver·dress·ing.

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.

noun

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

overdress

verb

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of overdress¹

First recorded in 1700–10; over- + dress

Example Sentences

She will wear her white satin trained dress, with white lace overdress, which she had made for the last May ball, you remember.

From Project Gutenberg

A bodice and overdress of white cretonne flowered with red roses.

From Project Gutenberg

Overdress and bodice of white silk brocaded with scarlet roses.

From Project Gutenberg

Colonial overdress and bodice of white, brocaded with pale-blue roses.

From Project Gutenberg

And, besides, I want you to trim my lace overdress with fresh ribbons; you will have too much to do to-morrow to attend to it.

From Project Gutenberg