dress down

verb

dressed down; dressing down; dresses down

transitive verb

: to reprove severely

intransitive verb

: to dress casually especially for reasons of fashion

Examples of dress down in a Sentence

dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance
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 cozy piece marked an ideal autumnal staple, with a multifaceted design for dressing up or dressing down, depending on the occasion. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025 Even dressed down in a minimalist white button-down blouse, vintage Levi’s and pearl earrings, Scherzinger exudes the kind of glamour visible from outer space. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025 These timeless styles look polished, but can easily be dressed down with a tee and sneakers. Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 With its refined silhouette, subtle logo detailing, and classic colors—from black to a fall-ready burgundy—the elegant accessory can be dressed down for coffee runs and classed up for date nights. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dress down

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dress down was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dress down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20down. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

dress down

verb
1
: to criticize severely
2
: to dress casually
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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