dress code

noun

: formally or socially imposed standards of dress

Examples of dress code in a Sentence

The school imposed a new dress code that forbids students from wearing jeans.
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.
The black-tie-optional event brought together more than 400 leaders and changemakers to raise funds for early childhood programs, including Fox, who naturally put her own spin on the dress code. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 As for the happy throng of guests, the dress code was wide open to interpretation, from paillettes to pink marabou. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Rocking a suit jacket and latex pants, Cardi was flanked by a complete live band, and the dress code was all black because they were dressed to kill their performance. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026 Maybe now the owners will listen to my plea for a dress code. — Molly The Bird, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dress code

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dress code was in 1889

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dress code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20code. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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