cos·tume
ˈkä-ˌstüm 
-ˌstyüm,
also -stəm,
or
ˈkäs-ˌchüm
1
: the prevailing fashion in coiffure, jewelry, and apparel of a period, country, or class
2
: an outfit worn to create the appearance characteristic of a particular period, person, place, or thing
Halloween costumes
3
: a person's ensemble of outer garments
especially
: a woman's ensemble of dress with coat or jacket
costumey
adjective
cos·tume
kä-ˈstüm
-ˈstyüm,
also käs-ˈchüm;
or ˈkä-ˌst(y)üm,
or
ˈkäs-ˌchüm
or
-stəm
costumed; costuming
1
: characterized by the use of costumes
a costume ball
a costume drama
2
: suitable for or enhancing the effect of a particular costume
a costume handbag
Synonyms
Examples of costume in a Sentence
Noun
children in their Halloween costumes
a formal 18th-century Japanese costume
Verb
the days when people, costumed in their Sunday best, would parade along the grand avenue on Easter
Adjective
You're invited to a costume party!
Recent Examples on the Web
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
The film’s costume designer Desira Pesta first sought advice from her sister, a psychotherapist, before approaching the actors.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
Although the lore surrounding Krampus can lean dark, The Milk District event, where an increasing number of attendees costume up or don horns for the occasion, is anything but.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
The Macy’s Studios team includes painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, scenic designers, costume designers, electricians and engineers, who spend more than 8,000 hours preparing for each parade.
—Violet Goldstone, WWD, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for costume 
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Noun
In 2020, The White Lotus costume designer Alex Bovaird walked into the Camilla boutique in Costa Mesa, California.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
The film’s costume designer Desira Pesta first sought advice from her sister, a psychotherapist, before approaching the actors.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
Adorned with lights, tinsel, garland and costumed characters, the adventure comes to life as each coach transforms into a lively musical performance while cocoa chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
Although the lore surrounding Krampus can lean dark, The Milk District event, where an increasing number of attendees costume up or don horns for the occasion, is anything but.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The show is inspired by costume designer Marylin Fitoussi, whose designs will take the stage during the experience.
—Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
The Macy’s Studios team includes painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, scenic designers, costume designers, electricians and engineers, who spend more than 8,000 hours preparing for each parade.
—Violet Goldstone, WWD, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for costume
Dictionary Entries Near costume
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/costume. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
costume
1 of 2 noun
cos·tume
ˈkäs-ˌt(y)üm
1
: the style of clothing, ornaments, and hair characteristic of a certain period, region, or class
ancient Roman costume
peasant costume
2
: special or fancy dress (as for wear on the stage or at a masquerade party)
3
: a person's outer clothing
costume
adjective
costume
2 of 2 verb
costumed; costuming
: to provide with a costume
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