Costume
'kɒstjuːm
Definitions
2 meaningsA set of clothes worn to create a particular look or represent a character, time period, or idea.
'kɒstjuːm
Clothes worn to represent a particular character or period.
The children loved dressing up in their Halloween costumes.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're going to a party and want to dress up as a superhero, a princess, or even your favorite animal! That special outfit you wear? That's a costume!
👶 For kids: Clothes you wear to pretend to be someone or something else, like a princess or a superhero.
More Examples
The museum displayed historical costumes from various eras.
The actors were in full costume for the performance.
How It's Used
"The actors wore elaborate costumes for the historical drama."
"She chose a superhero costume for the Halloween party."
To provide someone with a costume or to dress someone in a costume.
'kɒstjuːm
To provide someone with a costume.
The theater company will costume the entire cast.
💡 Simply: When a movie or play needs someone to wear a special outfit, the people in charge get to 'costume' them. This means they give them the clothes!
👶 For kids: To give someone clothes to wear like a pretend costume.
More Examples
She's been hired to costume the dancers for the show.
How It's Used
"The designer costumed the actors in period clothing."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
in costume
Wearing a specific set of clothes.
"The actors were in costume ready for their cue."
From French *costume*, from Italian *costume* ('custom, habit'), from Latin *consuetudo* ('custom, habit').
The word 'costume' has been used since the 17th century, evolving from referring to customs and habits to specifically clothing for particular occasions.
Memory tip
Think of a 'costume' as the clothing that helps transform you into someone or something else, like an actor playing a role.
Word Origin
"custom, habit"