underdress

verb

un·​der·​dress ˌən-dər-ˈdres How to pronounce underdress (audio)
underdressed; underdressing; underdresses

transitive + intransitive

: to dress in overly or inappropriately simple or informal clothing

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underdress was circa 1784

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underdress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdress. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

underdress

verb
un·​der·​dress ˌən-dər-ˈdres How to pronounce underdress (audio)
: to dress more simply or informally than is appropriate for an occasion

More from Merriam-Webster on underdress

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!