Dresses

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈdɹɛsɪz/

Definitions

1. Attire that is usually designed for women, providing coverage from the shoulders down, and can be suitable for both everyday and formal settings while varying in design and material
2. Clothing items primarily associated with women's fashion that extend from the upper body to the lower legs, often crafted from diverse fabrics and styles for various occasions
3. Garments typically worn by women that cover the body from the shoulders to the legs, showcasing a variety of styles and fabrics suited for different events

Etymology: The plural "dresses" simply adds the plural ending to "dress," so the interesting history belongs to the singular. "Dress" began as a verb meaning to arrange or put in order, not to clothe. It came into Middle English as "dressen" from Anglo-Norman and Old French "dresser" or "drecier," which in turn came from a Late Latin verb "dīrēctiāre," meaning to guide or direct. That Latin verb grew from "dīrēctus," the source of the English word "direct," so "dress" and "direct" are close relatives. The sense of putting things in order is still visible in the older uses of "dress," such as arranging troops in a line or preparing food for cooking. Clothing came later, as a noun drawn from the verb: getting someone "dressed" meant putting them in proper order, and the garment became the thing that was put on. The one-piece women's garment is a narrower use of that general idea of an arranged outfit.

Synonyms: garments, attires, outfits, clothes, apparel