dressing

noun

dress·​ing ˈdre-siŋ 

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)

Synonyms

• cataplasm
• plaster
• poultice

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

Brands are leaning into denim dressing and of-the-moment trends like Western. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Feb. 2025

Party sub Feed a crowd easily with this party sub topped with five different deli meats like roast beef, turkey and prosciutto, melded together and topped with two types of cheeses, fresh veggies and a tangy dressing. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025

This simple vegan bowl includes roasted garnet yams, broccolini, kale, sautéed chickpeas, and my delicious tahini dressing. —Randy Graham, Orange County Register, 22 Jan. 2025

After years supporting her husband in the player’s box for various tournaments and Grand Slam events, Jelena Djokovic’s style has become a masterclass in occasion dressing. —Julia Teti, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing dressing

• cross-dressing
• dressing-down
• dressing glass
• dressing gown
• dressing room
• dressing table
• French dressing
• house (salad) dressing
• Italian dressing
• ore dressing
• ranch dressing
• Russian dressing
• salad dressing
• side dressing
• Thousand Island dressing
• top dressing
• window dressing

Kids Definition

dressing

noun

dress·​ing ˈdres-iŋ 

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 

: a covering (as of ointment or gauze) applied to a lesion