All Definitions for Dresses
Below are all the dictionary definitions of dresses:
1(also reflexive and figuratively) To put clothes (or, formerly, armour) on (oneself or someone, a doll, a mannequin, etc.)
2To clothe.
3(specifically) To attire (oneself or someone) for a particular (especially formal) occasion, or in a fashionable manner.
4To design, make, provide, or select clothes (for someone).
5To arrange or style (someone's hair).
6(also figuratively) To adorn or ornament (something).
7To arrange a display of goods in, or to decorate (a shop or shop window).
8(nautical) To ornament (a ship) by hoisting the national colours at the peak and mastheads, and setting the jack forward
9When "dressed full", the signal flags and pennants are added.
10To fit or prepare (something) for use
11To render (something) suitable for an intended purpose
12To get ready.
13To prepare, treat, or curry (animal hide or leather).
14(especially of ores) To prepare by any of many types of physical processing (e.g., breaking, crushing, sorting, sieving, controlled burning or heating).
15To prepare the surface of (a material, such as lumber or stone
16A grindstone or grinding wheel).
17(fishing) To prepare (an artificial fly) to be attached to a fish hook.
18(agriculture, horticulture) To cultivate or tend to (a garden, land, plants, etc.)
19Especially, to add fertilizer or manure to (soil)
20To fertilize, to manure.
21(butchering) To cut up (an animal or its flesh) for food.
22(cooking) To prepare (food) for cooking or eating, especially by seasoning it
23Specifically, to add a dressing or sauce (to food, especially a salad).
24(film, television, theater) To design, make, or prepare costumes (for a play or other performance)
25Also, to present (a production) in a particular costume style.
26(film, television, theater) To prepare (a set) by installing the props, scenery, etc.
27(military) To arrange (soldiers or troops) into proper formation
28Especially, to adjust (soldiers or troops) into straight lines and at a proper distance from each other
29To align.
30To put on clothes.
31(specifically) To attire oneself for a particular (especially formal) occasion, or in a fashionable manner.
32Of a thing: to attain a certain condition after undergoing some process or treatment to fit or prepare it for use.
33(euphemistic, chiefly in the tailoring context) To allow one's penis to fall to one side or the other within one's trousers.
34(butchering) Of an animal carcass: to have a certain quantity or weight after removal of the internal organs and skin
35Also, to have a certain appearance after being cut up and prepared for cooking.
36(military, sometimes imperative as a drill command) Of soldiers or troops: to arrange into proper formation
37Especially, to form into straight lines and at a proper distance from each other.
38(sports) Of a sportsperson: to put on the uniform and have the equipment needed to play a sport.
39(clothing) An item of clothing (usually worn by a woman or young girl) which both covers the upper part of the body and includes a skirt below the waist.
40(by extension, India) Clothing or outfit in general.
41Apparel or clothing, especially when appropriate for a particular occasion, profession, etc.
42(by extension) The external covering of an animal (for example, the feathers of a bird) or an object.
43(by extension) The appearance of an object after it has undergone some process or treatment to fit or prepare it for use
44Finish.
45(by extension) (figuratively) The external appearance of something, especially if intended to give a positive impression
46Garb, guise.
47To apply a dressing to or otherwise treat (a wound)
48(obsolete) to give (a wounded person) medical aid.
49(historical or England, regional) To remove chaff or impurities from (flour, grain, etc.) by bolting or sifting, winnowing, and other methods.
50(Northern England, archaic) To treat (someone) in a particular manner
51Specifically, in an appropriate or fitting manner
52(by extension, ironic) to give (someone) a deserved beating
53Also, to give (someone) a good scolding
54To dress down.
55(obsolete) To break in and train (a horse or other animal) for use.
56To prepare (oneself)
57To make ready.
58(archaic outside of India) An item of outer clothing or set of such clothes (worn by people of all sexes) which is generally decorative and appropriate for a particular occasion, profession, etc.
59(archaic) The act of putting on clothes, especially fashionable ones, or for a particular (especially formal) occasion.
60(by extension) (archaic, historical) The system of furrows on the face of a millstone.
61(obsolete) The act of applying a dressing to or otherwise treating a wound
62Also, the dressing so applied.
63(film, television, theater) Ellipsis of dress rehearsal. [(theater) A rehearsal prior to a public spectacle, where all the performers are in costume, in order to test all aspects of the production by closely reproducing the actual conditions of a performance.]
64(slang) Ellipsis of cross-dress. [To wear clothes typically associated with the opposite sex.]
65Acronym of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms or drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.
About synonyms for dresses
Finding the right synonym for dresses helps writers avoid repetition and add precision to their work. Defined as "(also reflexive and figuratively) To put clothes (or, formerly, armour) on (oneself or someone, a doll, a mannequin, etc.)", dresses has 0 alternatives that can fit different contexts and tones.
When choosing a synonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal synonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual synonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best alternative. The list above provides the most common and useful replacements for dresses, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.