dress
She wore a beautiful red dress to the party.
A 'dress' is a one-piece garment for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
A one-piece garment for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
She bought a new dress for the wedding.
She purchased a new one-piece garment to wear at the wedding.
Can also refer to clothing in general (e.g., 'evening dress' for formal wear).
To put on clothes.
He dressed quickly before leaving.
He put on his clothes rapidly before departing.
Often used with 'in' (e.g., 'dressed in black').
To decorate or arrange something attractively.
The table was dressed with flowers and candles.
The table was decorated with flowers and candles.
Common in formal or ceremonial contexts.
Clothing appropriate for a particular occasion or profession.
The restaurant requires formal dress.
The restaurant mandates that guests wear formal clothing.
Often used in phrases like 'business dress' or 'evening dress'.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish noun and verb
As a noun, 'dress' usually refers to a specific type of clothing. As a verb, it describes the action of putting on clothes or decorating. Context determines the meaning.
Gold Rule
Plural form
The plural of 'dress' (noun) is 'dresses'. Example: 'She has three dresses.'
Verb conjugation
The verb 'dress' conjugates as: dress (present), dressed (past), dressed (past participle), dressing (present participle). Example: 'She dresses elegantly every day.'
Word Origin
From Old French 'drecier' (to direct, arrange), derived from Latin 'directus' (straight, arranged). The clothing sense emerged in Middle English (14th century), while the verb sense of 'putting on clothes' developed later.
Usage Notes
The noun 'dress' typically refers to a woman's one-piece garment, but can also describe clothing in general (e.g., 'children's dress'). The verb 'dress' can mean to put on clothes, decorate, or prepare (e.g., 'dress a wound').