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
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
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
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
Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Tazewell won the Tony for costume design for his work on Hamilton and also netted an Emmy for his work on 2015’s The Wiz!
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
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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
Michael Buckner—Penske Media/Getty Images Wicked's Paul Tazewell is the first Black man to win for costume design
Paul Tazewell, who had previously been nominated for his work in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, snagged the Oscar for costume design.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Tazewell won the Tony for costume design for his work on Hamilton and also netted an Emmy for his work on 2015’s The Wiz!
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/costume. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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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