attire

[ uh-tahyuhr ]

verb (used with object)

, at·tired, at·tir·ing.

1. to dress, array, or adorn, especially for special occasions, ceremonials, etc.

noun

1. clothes or apparel, especially rich or splendid garments.
2. the horns of a deer.

attire

/ əˈtaɪə /

verb

1. tr to dress, esp in fine elegant clothes; array

noun

1. clothes or garments, esp if fine or decorative
2. the antlers of a mature male deer

Other Words From

• reat·tire verb (used with object) reattired reattiring
• unat·tired adjective
• well-at·tired adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attire¹

1250–1300; (v.) Middle English atiren < Anglo-French atirer, Old French atirier, verbal derivative of a tire into a row or rank ( a- ³, tier ¹ ); (noun) Middle English atir < Anglo-French, noun derivative of the v.

Word History and Origins

Origin of attire¹

C13: from Old French atirier to put in order, from tire row; see tier ¹

Example Sentences

We traded life vests and bathing suits for wedding attire behind a rock and connected to shaky cell service so family and friends could participate.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Storrie said her mother asked that instead of traditional funeral attire, those who wish to do so should wear bright colours to celebrate her life.

From BBC

Instructions to appear as if they can all afford to shop at Vivienne’s mean formal attire, but the chic Roslyn isn’t outdone.

From Los Angeles Times

And a once-defensive coach has turned playful with reporters, routinely kidding one about his attire.

From Los Angeles Times

That unity seemed to be felt among the crowd, most of which donned American flags and “USA” signs, not the Harris-Walz campaign attire typical of past rallies.

From Salon

Related Words

• apparel
• clothes
• costume
• dress
• garb
• getup
• habit
• uniform
• vestment