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.
Evening dining features an elegant dress code, with the exception of the casual lobster bake held on Fridays. Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026 Much like the advice of Beau Brummell, a close friend of the future King George IV who in the 19th century helped define Royal Ascot’s dress code. Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 The cruise, which has a causal attire dress code, features a full bar with cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 As told on a sign under the covered patio, there’s a bit of a dress code. Jenna Thompson june 16, Kansas City Star, 16 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.

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