dress rehearsal

noun

1. a rehearsal of a play or other performance in costume and with scenery, properties, and lights arranged and operated as for a performance: often the final rehearsal.

dress rehearsal

noun

1. the last complete rehearsal of a play or other work, using costumes, scenery, lighting, etc, as for the first night
2. any full-scale practice

Word History and Origins

Origin of dress rehearsal¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

“We almost didn’t get on the air, because dress rehearsal went so poorly,” associate producer Craig Kellem recalls in the book.

From Los Angeles Times

The dancers also walked the space and noted every piece of furniture and potential pitfall during a dress rehearsal.

From Los Angeles Times

If there’s such a thing as an October dress rehearsal, this is it.

From Los Angeles Times

The day before the grand final, Klein did not appear at a dress rehearsal to perform his track, Europapa - which was one of the favourites to win.

From BBC

However, the singer's plan fell apart when he was suspended during dress rehearsals the day before the grand final.

From BBC

Related Words

• dry run
• rehearsal