costume

1 of 3

noun

cos·​tume ˈkä-ˌstüm How to pronounce costume (audio)
-ˌstyüm,
 also  -stəm,
or
ˈkäs-ˌchüm How to pronounce costume (audio)
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

costume

2 of 3

verb

cos·​tume kä-ˈstüm How to pronounce costume (audio)
-ˈstyüm,
 also  käs-ˈchüm;
 or  ˈkä-ˌst(y)üm,
or
ˈkäs-ˌchüm How to pronounce costume (audio)
or
-stəm How to pronounce costume (audio)
costumed; costuming

transitive verb

1
: to provide with a costume
2
: to design costumes for
costume a play

costume

3 of 3

adjective

cos·​tume ˈkä-ˌstüm How to pronounce costume (audio)
-ˌstyüm,
 also  -stəm,
 or  ˈkäs-ˌchüm
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Embedded in her designs are flowers, fruits, and intricate patterns inspired by traditional textiles and 19th-century costumes. Grace Edquist, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025 During her time in Brazil, Shayk not only dressed to impress but spent some time touring Beija-Flor's workshop while learning about the craftsmanship behind the parade floats and costumes. Michelle Lee, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
Her recollection of costuming some of the culture’s foremost films depicts a clear picture of her legacy, imagination, and dedication to the craft. Essence, 4 Mar. 2025 After several years as a routine day player in the costuming department, Cronick moved with O’Brien and his talk show to LA in 2009. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The evening celebrated three costume designers for their work through the years. Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025 Three decades in the making, the stunning, informative presentation takes visitors inside the minds of costume directors with displays that explain not only the functionality and versatility of the costumes, but the safety aspects incorporated into them. Ryan Slattery, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for costume

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Italian, custom, dress, from Latin consuetudin-, consuetudo custom — more at custom

First Known Use

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of costume was in 1668

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/costume. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

costume

1 of 2 noun
cos·​tume ˈkäs-ˌt(y)üm How to pronounce costume (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on costume

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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