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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Just a few hours into a pre-launch test called a wet dress rehearsal in early February, launch controllers found that enough super-chilled liquid hydrogen fuel was leaking at the launchpad to prompt safety concerns. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026 The big task on NASA’s to-do list not performed on the first wet dress rehearsal is a countdown clock reset. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026 Here's what to know about the next wet dress rehearsal scheduled ahead of a potential Artemis 2 rocket launch. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 Louisville's win vs Baylor was a good dress rehearsal. Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 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 24 Feb. 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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