full dress

¹ American  

noun

1. the formal attire customarily worn in the evening, usually consisting of black tailcoats and white bow ties for men, and floor-length dresses for women.

2. a ceremonial style of dress.

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full-dress ² American  

[fool-dres] / ˈfʊlˌdrɛs /

adjective

1. formal and complete in all details.

   a full-dress uniform.

2. done or presented completely or thoroughly.

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full dress British  

noun

1. 1. a formal or ceremonial style of dress, such as white tie and tails for a man and a full-length evening dress for a woman

   2. ( as modifier )

      full-dress uniform

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Etymology

Origin of full dress¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Origin of full-dress²

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

She met her future husband while appearing with him in operas in which she had only seen him in full dress in elderly roles.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2023

Earlier, outside the hall in front of me was a full dress rehearsal for the Queen's state funeral - the Horse Guards with their shining helmets and the red sashes coming down from them.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2022

But to see him in full dress and going full go was impressive.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2021

“If they came here, they would be in full dress and would be uncomfortable because people are in bathing suits and drinking.”

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2019

For the cast it would be something more than a full dress rehearsal because of a full live audience.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg