dress down

verb

dressed down; dressing down; dresses down

transitive verb

: to reprove severely

intransitive verb

: to dress casually especially for reasons of fashion

Examples of dress down in a Sentence

dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Judy is also rarely seen dressed down, but her skirt suits and perm lend her a more awkward air. Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 3 May 2025 The Blue Crush actress, 42, dressed down for the occasion in a black long sleeve, v-neck shirt and wide leg jeans. Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Now, dazzling sequins are typically reserved for cocktail or black tie, but the actor's rugged pants—which debuted on the spring 2025 runway back in September—proved that shimmering embellishments can in fact be dressed down. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025 Its pleated fabric and modest silhouette give it an elevated look, though it can still be dressed down for daytime wear. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dress down

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dress down was in 1852

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dress down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20down. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dress down

verb
1
: to criticize severely
2
: to dress casually
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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