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.
Buyers have worn it to weddings, bridal showers, and birthday parties, but it can easily be dressed down with sneakers or sandals for a day at the office. Clara McMahon, People.com, 13 May 2025 But the American side of that alliance suddenly looked less dependable in March, when President Donald Trump dressed down the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office and accused him of starting the war that began with his own country’s invasion. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025 Leading up to the big night, actors and actresses (well, other than Adam Sandler, who hilariously dressed down this year) work with a dedicated team of stylists, designers and artists to plan their wardrobe and glam down to the last detail. Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Judy is also rarely seen dressed down, but her skirt suits and perm lend her a more awkward air. Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dress down

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dress down was in 1852

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dress down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20down. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dress down

verb
1
: to criticize severely
2
: to dress casually
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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