finery

noun fin·ery \ ˈfīn-rē , ˈfī-nə- \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Examples: finery in a Sentence

Definition of finery

plural fineries

: ornament, decoration; especially : dressy or showy clothing and jewels

See finery defined for English-language learners

See finery defined for kids

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 of finery from the Web

Trouche has been researching the 18th-century fashion parades during which the city’s local fashion plates would walk up and down the Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis lined with funerary stones and monuments, flaunting their latest finery.

— hamish bowles, Vogue, "A Brief History of the Arlesienne Fashion Plates Who Inspired Alessandro Michele’s Cruise Collection," 8 June 2018
Around 220 students participated, dressed in prom finery to complement the red, black and gold event decor.

— dinah l. rogers photography, NOLA.com, "Prom 2018: East Jefferson celebrates 'A Night in Paris'," 6 May 2018
In April 1942, Germans donned their finery, pinned swastika buttons to their lapels and celebrated Hitler’s birthday.

— john kelly, Washington Post, "A World War II quandary: What to do with all those Axis diplomats in D.C.?," 10 Jan. 2018
The happy couple also returned to the stairs of Windsor Castle for an intimate black-and-white photo sporting their wedding-day finery and yep, wedding bands.

— amanda garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Official Wedding Photos Are Here," 21 May 2018
The exhibition contained still more, filling the Medieval galleries with couture and priestly finery.

— matthew schneier, New York Times, "The Scene Inside the Met Gala," 8 May 2018
Yet despite their Chanel finery and surrounding star power, the young actors seemed most excited by the art books that accompanied every chair seat.

— chloe malle, Vogue, "Spring in Step: The Chanel Tribeca Film Festival Artist’s Dinner," 24 Apr. 2018
Manhattan's Plaza Hotel is asking guests to wear hats, gloves and other finery to a $150 Champagne breakfast beginning at 6:30 a.m., New York time, on May 19.

— beth j. harpaz, chicagotribune.com, "Royal wedding: At hotels, $50K packages, Union Jack condoms," 2 May 2018
The expensive fitness finery spawned a cult following and paved the way for brands like Tory Sport and Gap’s Athleta label.

— tiffany hsu, New York Times, "Lululemon’s Chief Executive Resigns Over Behavior," 5 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'finery.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of finery

³fine + -ery

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1647

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

finery Synonyms

Synonyms

array, best, bravery, caparison, feather, frippery, full dress, gaiety (also gayety), regalia;

Near Antonyms

tatters;

Phrases

best bib and tucker;

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

FINERY Defined for English Language Learners

finery

noun

Definition of finery for English Language Learners

: clothes, jewels, etc., that are expensive and beautiful

FINERY Defined for Kids

finery

noun fin·ery \ ˈfī-nə-rē \

Definition of finery for Students

plural fineries

: stylish or showy clothes and jewelry

Learn More about finery

See words that rhyme with finery Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for finery Spanish Central: Translation of finery Nglish: Translation of finery for Spanish speakers

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finery

Definition of finery

Examples of finery in a Sentence

Recent Examples of finery from the Web

Origin and Etymology of finery

finery Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Phrases

Other Clothing Terms

FINERY Defined for English Language Learners

finery

Definition of finery for English Language Learners

FINERY Defined for Kids

finery

Definition of finery for Students

Learn More about finery

Seen and Heard

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