dressing

noun

dress·​ing ˈdre-siŋ How to pronounce dressing (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of one who dresses
b
: an instance of such act or process
2
a
: a sauce for adding to a dish (such as a salad)
b
: a seasoned mixture usually used as a stuffing (as for poultry)
3
a
: material (such as ointment or gauze) applied to cover a lesion or wound
b
: fertilizing material (such as manure or compost)

Examples of dressing in a Sentence

We had turkey with dressing and potatoes for dinner. The nurse cleaned the cut and applied a dressing.
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.
Altogether, the ensemble was similar to countryside ‘fits worn by her predecessors, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth, who had mastered the art of sporty but still feminine dressing for the UK’s chillier climates. Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2025 From what was seen on the fall 2025 runways of Ferragamo to Tom Ford, the opulent, sexy, polished dressing of the ’80s will live large this season—Sabrina is just taking it up a notch with her own super feminine, playful fashion formula. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025 The Holiday Party Shop also offers a refined dressing edit of festive looks for intimate family events, glamorous gatherings and travel. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025 Think kale, roasted squash, and cabbage—hearty, cold-weather vegetables that shine when tossed with sharp vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, or a little salty cheese. Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dressing

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of dressing was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dressing. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dressing

noun
dress·​ing ˈdres-iŋ How to pronounce dressing (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of one that dresses
b
: an instance of dressing
2
a
: a sauce for adding to a dish
b
: a seasoned mixture used as a stuffing (as for poultry) or baked and served separately
3
a
: material (as ointment or gauze) used to cover an injury
b
: fertilizing material (as manure or compost)

Medical Definition

dressing

noun
dress·​ing -iŋ How to pronounce dressing (audio)
: a covering (as of ointment or gauze) applied to a lesion

More from Merriam-Webster on dressing

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