finery

noun

fin·​ery ˈfī-nə-rē How to pronounce finery (audio)
ˈfīn-rē
plural fineries
: ornament, decoration
especially : dressy or showy clothing and jewels

Examples of finery in a Sentence

She was proud to show off her new evening finery. the guests arrived at the wedding in all their finery
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 photo by Getty Images' royal photographer Chris Jackson showed the Princess Royal and Sir Tim, 70, standing and smiling together in their finery before the French state banquet at Windsor Castle on July 9. Janine Henni, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025 In the ceremony’s seventh year, but the first year at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, businesses, nonprofits, entertainers, and artists all turned out in their red carpet finery to see who was voted best in their field by the people of Kansas City. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2025 The painter also appears to portray Henry as a childlike figure absurdly overdressed in regal finery. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025 The new dining rooms are decorated in Western finery. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for finery

Word History

Etymology

fine entry 1 + -ery

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finery was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finery. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

finery

noun
fin·​ery ˈfīn-(ə-)rē How to pronounce finery (audio)
plural fineries
: showy clothing and jewels

More from Merriam-Webster on finery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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