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formalwear

formalwear

3 3.6
Clothes for special events in the evening, like suits or long dresses
  • noun
  • /ˈfɔrməlˌwɛr/
translation icon : ropa formal
  • On behalf of the entire Centennial Dance Committee, we look forward to seeing you there in your formalwear.

Examples

  • They're not a bunch of fags in rented formalwear... ...seducing everybody with Euro-trash accents.

  • If you find formalwear that is comfortable, you talk about it all the time because it's unusual.

    Blog text (19)
  • On behalf of the entire Centennial Dance Committee, we look forward to seeing you there in your formalwear.

  • The photos of young attractives in formalwear.

    Blog text (15)
  • Traditional Kryptonian formalwear.

  • He wore a classic black tuxedo as his formalwear for the wedding reception.

  • At the gala, everyone arrived in elegant formalwear, making the night feel special.

  • She chose a stunning evening gown as her formalwear for the charity ball.

Synonyms

gown
vsformalwear
192 2.5

A long formal robe like those worn at graduations or in court

is the evening focused type used for formal social events rather than ceremonies
apparel
vsformalwear
  • Formal
57 3.8

Clothing for a particular purpose or event

is narrower, applying specifically to clothing for formal evening events
attire
vsformalwear
  • Formal
51 4.3

Clothes for special or formal occasions, like a suit

is more specific, referring to clothing for formal events often in the evening
garb
vsformalwear
24 6.5

Clothes of a special type worn for a role or occasion

is especially about formal event clothes rather than role specific outfits
evening gown
vsformalwear
12 2.7

A long formal dress that women wear to evening parties or special events

is the general category including both male and female formal items for evening
cocktail dress
vsformalwear
11 3.3

A short elegant dress for women to wear at evening events

is for fully formal events, often more formal and evening specific
ball gown
vsformalwear
8 3.5

A long formal dress worn by women to very special events like balls

is the broader term for formal event clothing, not only ball specific outfits
evening dress
vsformalwear
7 3.4

A formal dress worn by women for evening events

is broader, covering all formal event clothing beyond that specific garment
evening clothes
vsformalwear
3 3.8

Clothes worn for formal evening events, like a suit or long dress

is broader, covering formal options beyond just night events
turnout
vsformalwear
  • UK
2 7.1

A set of clothes worn for a particular occasion

is focused on clothes designed for formal events, often more elegant
eveningwear
vsformalwear
1 4.2

Clothes worn for formal evening events like dinners or parties

is a general term for clothing for formal events not only evening ones
full dress
vsformalwear
  • Formal
1 6.8

Formal evening clothes for men worn at very important events

is the general term covering all formal event clothing, not only male items
formal
vsformalwear
1 3.5

A dress, suit, or gown people wear for special occasions

is focused on dressy evening events rather than any dressy occasion
elegant gown
vsformalwear
1 2.7

A formal, stylish dress worn for special events

is the general category of formal event clothing and not about style
dress suit
vsformalwear
1 3.5

A formal men's outfit with a tailcoat and trousers for evening events

is the general category for formal event clothing including both male and female options
dinner dress
vsformalwear
  • Formal
3.4

A formal long gown worn to evening events like dinners

is used for formal events more generally, not only dinner occasions
dinner gown
vsformalwear
  • Formal
4.2

A formal dress worn to evening events, especially dinners

is the broader label for formal event clothing beyond that dress type
balldress
vsformalwear
  • Formal
3.9

A formal dress a woman wears to a ball or gala

is the wide category for formal evening clothing beyond traditional dance events
gentlemen's attire
vsformalwear
  • Formal
5.6

Formal clothes that men wear for special occasions like a suit or tuxedo

is the inclusive category that also covers women's evening formal garments

How Formal

white tie
  • Formal
2 7.0
black tie
  • Formal
12 3.7
formalwear
3 3.6
business suit
16 1.8

Surface Forms

formalwear singular
formalwears plural

Morphology

formalwear = formal + wear (transparent) = formal + wear

The meaning is directly derived from 'formal' + 'wear' meaning clothing suitable for formal occasions.

Etymology

Formalwear comes from the parts formal (meaning 'proper' or for 'special occasions') and wear (clothes). So, formalwear is the clothes you put on for important events, like tuxedos and evening gowns.