dressier; dressiest
Synonyms of dressynext
1
: showy in dress
2
: stylish, smart
dressy clothes
3
: requiring or characterized by fancy or formal dress
a dressy affair
dressiness noun

Examples of dressy in a Sentence

Those shoes are so dressy, I rarely wear them. She wore an outfit that was much too dressy for the occasion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These pair that rich-looking material with a slouchy silhouette, finding the perfect balance between dressy and cool. Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 11 Feb. 2026 Over at a presentation at the Sam Edelman showroom, Libby Edelman, co-founder and senior vice president, walked FN through the key styles and trends on display, with a focus on pumps, dressy and cold-weather boots and ballet flats — as well as materials like lace and velvet. Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026 Or, style them with a dressy blouse and heeled boots to grab brunch with the girls. Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 For an afternoon event, tea-length (something that falls around midcalf) is expected for women in dressy day fabrics (silk, organza, cotton with some sheen), while daytime suits are expected for men (in gray, black or navy fabrics with no sheen). Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dressy

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dressy was in 1737

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Cite this Entry

“Dressy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dressy. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

dressy

adjective
dressier; dressiest
1
: showy in dress
2
: suitable for formal occasions
dressy clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on dressy

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