dress rehearsal

noun

Synonyms of dress rehearsalnext
1
: a full rehearsal (as of a play) in costume and with stage properties shortly before the first performance
2
: a practice exercise for something to come : dry run

Examples of dress rehearsal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The twist is — as a lower third on screen indicated — the contents of the notes were changed between dress rehearsal and going live. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2026 On the day of the second wet dress rehearsal, hydrogen operations proceeded smoothly, seemingly confirming plans for a March launch for Artemis II. Marcos Fernandez Tous, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026 That test, known as a wet dress rehearsal, was the second after an earlier demonstration in February uncovered liquid hydrogen leaks that forced an earlier delay. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026 This lower level of exposure is a dress rehearsal for what comes next — the commercial flight to Seattle. Evan Roberts, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dress rehearsal

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dress rehearsal was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Dress rehearsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20rehearsal. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

dress rehearsal

noun
: a rehearsal of a play in costume and with stage properties shortly before the first performance

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