fancy dress

noun

1. a costume for a ball, masquerade, etc., chosen to please the fancy, usually a costume characteristic of a particular period or place, class of persons, or historical or fictitious character.

fancy dress

noun

1. 1. costume worn at masquerades, etc, usually representing a particular role, historical figure, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a fancy-dress ball

Word History and Origins

Origin of fancy dress¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

This is not the first time Chinese authorities have cracked down on fancy dress.

From BBC

More than 200 people have taken part in the World Conker Championships, with many competing in fancy dress.

From BBC

A drug dealer who changed her name and went on the run for 16 months was finally found wearing a "fancy dress" NHS lanyard and scrubs.

From BBC

Knight, who was 21 at the time, was attending an end-of-season fancy dress party at a cricket club in Kent.

From BBC

With many fundraising for charity, fancy dress is aplenty with people dressed in plane and giraffe costumes among those lining up at the start.

From BBC

Related Words

• apparel
• regalia