overdress

1 of 2

verb

over·​dress ˌō-vər-ˈdres How to pronounce overdress (audio)
overdressed; overdressing; overdresses
Synonyms of overdressnext

transitive verb

: to dress or adorn to excess
felt overdressed for the occasion in his tuxedo

intransitive verb

: to dress oneself to excess
it's better to overdress for the party than be too casual

overdress

2 of 2

noun

over·​dress ˈō-vər-ˌdres How to pronounce overdress (audio)
: a dress worn over another

Examples of overdress in a Sentence

Verb He overdressed for such a casual 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.
Verb
Your salad can go from dressed to overdressed with excess juice. — Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1704, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdress was in 1704

Rhymes for overdress

See All Rhymes for overdress

Browse Nearby Words

overdress
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Cite this Entry

“Overdress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdress. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

overdress

1 of 2 verb
over·​dress ˌō-vər-ˈdres How to pronounce overdress (audio)
: to dress too formally or warmly for an occasion

overdress

2 of 2 noun
over·​dress ˈō-vər-ˌdres How to pronounce overdress (audio)
: a dress worn over another

More from Merriam-Webster on overdress

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