dress

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to an article of clothing typically worn by women, or as a verb to refer to the act of putting on such clothing. Example sentence: I need to get a new dress for the upcoming event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, parts of London, there are actually Muslim religious police that actually beat and actually wound seriously anyone who doesn't dress according to religious Muslim attire.

The Guardian

Perhaps unsurprisingly, my favourite item of my mum's was the plainest outfit she wore: a black crepe wraparound Ossie Clark dress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Telling teenagers how to dress is at least a proper tradition with a long history.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has done many good things to help people," she said, hitching up her dress emblazoned with the red and green of Nigeria's incumbent People's Democratic party.

The Guardian

"Oscar de La Renta sleeveless silk, full-skirted dress with black patent-leather bow belt – now that is pure poetry," the character once said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That same year, he showed himself a man of the modern world by debuting his new wedding dress collection on Pinterest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But before a cotton dress is cut and stitched it is dyed and printed; before that it is woven from yarn into cloth; before that it is spun from raw cotton into yarn.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the company's leading lines, Casillero del Diablo, takes its name from the tale, although it seems unlikely that a 19th-century mining magnate and prominent politician would really have spent his evenings lurking in dank corners wearing fancy dress.

The Guardian - Travel

This article was amended on 2 September 2014, as the dress designer was incorrectly credited to Atelier Versace rather than Donatella Versace.

The Guardian - Film

"I am so excited that Brenda has made it," said Loyce, wearing an outstanding red floral flowing busuuti (type of dress).

The Guardian

Whenever the wrap dress, Von Furstenberg's most iconic creation, plays a starring role in a collection it seems to symbolise that she herself is the protagonist of the season's story.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dress" as a verb, be mindful of the reflexive form (e.g., "dress oneself") versus the transitive form (e.g., "dress the child").

Common error

Avoid using "dress" too casually in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "attire" or "garb" when appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "dress" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an article of clothing. It can also function as a verb, meaning to put on clothes or to adorn. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality. Examples in Ludwig show both noun and verb usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dress" is a versatile term in the English language, functioning both as a noun and a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical status and highlights its common usage. As a noun, it denotes a specific item of clothing, while as a verb, it describes the act of putting on clothes. The analysis reveals that "dress" is frequently encountered in news media and formal contexts, but its usage spans a wide range of communication. While generally acceptable, choosing synonyms like "attire" or "garb" may enhance formality in certain situations. Related terms include "apparel", "clothe", and "get dressed", providing alternative ways to express similar meanings. Common errors involve overuse in formal contexts, where more sophisticated vocabulary might be appropriate. Overall, "dress" is a well-established and widely understood word with a broad spectrum of applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Get dressed

Verb phrase describing the act of putting on clothes.

Put on clothes

Another way to say "get dressed".

Attire

Refers to clothing, especially formal or special clothing.

Apparel

Broader term encompassing clothing in general.

Dress up

Wear special or fancy clothes.

Garment

An item of clothing.

Garb

Clothing or dress, especially of a distinctive or special kind.

Outfit

A set of clothes worn together.

Clothe

Verb referring to the act of putting on clothing.

Formal wear

Clothing suitable for formal occasions.

FAQs

How can I use "dress" in a sentence?

As a noun: "She wore a beautiful red dress." As a verb: "Please "dress warmly"; it's cold outside."

What are some synonyms for "dress" as a noun?

Alternatives include "frock", "attire", "garment", and "outfit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "dress up" or "dress down"?

Yes, both are correct. "Dress up" means to wear formal or fancy clothes, while "dress down" means to wear casual clothes.

What's the difference between "dress" and "gown"?

"Gown" usually refers to a long, formal dress, often worn for special occasions, while "dress" is a more general term for any one-piece garment covering the body.