underdress

[ verb uhn-der-dres; noun uhn-der-dres ]

verb (used without object)

, un·der·dressed or un·der·drest, un·der·dress·ing.

1. to clothe oneself less completely or formally than is usual or fitting for the circumstances.

noun

1. garments worn beneath others; underclothes.
2. a slip, petticoat, or other underskirt, especially one designed to be seen when worn, as beneath a redingote.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underdress¹

First recorded in 1775–85; under- + dress

Example Sentences

Ms. Kaschel enlisted the help of her friend Mariel Manuel, who designed and created an outfit that consisted of a colorful underdress made from Bombay silk, handmade and tie-dyed, and a top layer of petal pink chiffon.

From New York Times

Among his pointers: It is always safer to overdress than underdress for an interview.

From Washington Post

In the trunk lay her grandmother’s beautiful handmade wedding underdress.

From Washington Post

Inside the box lies a pearl and silk wedding underdress that once belonged to her grandmother Mae Walker, the granddaughter of Madam C.J.

From Washington Post

The six-piece ensemble — a silk underdress, a velvet drawstring bag and small purse mirror, a coronet, a kirtle and a mantle — will be the main attraction of an exhibit called “Encounters With Royalty.”

From Washington Post