underdress

verb

un·​der·​dress ˌən-dər-ˈdres How to pronounce underdress (audio)
underdressed; underdressing; underdresses

transitive + intransitive

: to dress in overly or inappropriately simple or informal clothing

Examples of underdress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Frostbite and hypothermia are common winter occurrences, and the solution is not to underdress. John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 1 Feb. 2020 Nevertheless, the blend of overpriced cocktails and underdressed waitresses proved to be a winning formula. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2017 There are times when these anecdotes—being underdressed at Buckingham Palace, getting caught in your underwear on Air Force One, getting a condolence call from the president after your cat dies—seem like small beer. Alex Shephard, New Republic, 5 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underdress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underdress was circa 1784

Dictionary Entries Near underdress

Cite this Entry

“Underdress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdress. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

underdress

verb
un·​der·​dress ˌən-dər-ˈdres How to pronounce underdress (audio)
: to dress more simply or informally than is appropriate for an occasion

More from Merriam-Webster on underdress

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