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 most problematic propellant on both the Artemis I mission in 2022 and wet dress rehearsal earlier this year for Artemis II had been liquid hydrogen (LH2). Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 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, 1 Apr. 2026 Preseason games are dress rehearsals for most teams anyway, and a second bye week would help players get healthier and get a breather in the midst of the battle. Ernesto Cova, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 As the name suggests, the dress rehearsal checks all procedures and systems up to just before launch. Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 26 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dress rehearsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20rehearsal. Accessed 10 Apr. 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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