fancy dress

noun

: a costume (as for a masquerade) chosen to suit the wearer's fancy

Examples of fancy dress in a Sentence

Everyone wore fancy dress for the ball.
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.
Perfect for going-out, style them with a plaid skirt and sweater combo like the singer did or pair them with a fancy dress for a fun night out. — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 24 Jan. 2026 Throughout Lang’s brief career, there were hints of fancy dress—of the little girl who rootles around in a box of grownup costumes, trying out one look after the next. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 The cute photo saw Stormi, who was wearing fancy dress, and younger brother Aire, 4, perched on a bench and smiling at the camera. — Staff Author, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026 For this new fleece, AG is using the type of longer-staple cotton fibers found in soft cottony things like fancy dress shirts and expensive bedsheets. — Michael Calore, Wired News, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fancy dress

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fancy dress was in 1770

Rhymes for fancy dress

See All Rhymes for fancy dress

Browse Nearby Words

fancy dive
fancy dress
fancy dress ball
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fancy dress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fancy%20dress. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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