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

On the red carpet and out on the streets, their elevated personal style proved that maternity dressing can be comfort-oriented, while still looking modern and individualistic. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

Plant-based and gluten-free, their olive oil is not only nutrient-rich, but tastes delicious, whether as a base for dressing or marinades, or drizzled on dessert. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Finely chop them to stir into a creamy dressing, like a Caesar, for a vegetarian-friendly alternative to anchovies. —Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024

Toss spinach with dressing: Add spinach and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss to combine. —Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024

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