dress rehearsal — A final practice performance of a play or show before the actual performance, usually in full costume and makeup
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A final practice performance of a play or show before the actual performance, usually in full costume and makeup
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdres rɪˈhɜːrsəl/
Example Sentences
- The bride insisted on having a dress rehearsal for her wedding, complete with fake bouquet and imaginary guests.
- During the dress rehearsal, the lead actor forgot his lines and started improvising Shakespeare.
- The orchestra's dress rehearsal revealed several timing issues that needed to be fixed.
dress rehearsal
NOUN[/ˈdres rɪˈhɜːrsəl/]
A final practice performance of a play or show before the actual performance, usually in full costume and makeup

The cast performs a full dress rehearsal the night before opening.

The dress rehearsal goes commercial, but stays controversial!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Dress rehearsal combines two elements: 'dress' derives from Old French 'drecier' (to arrange, prepare), referring to complete attire or full preparation. 'Rehearsal' comes from Old French 'rehercier' (to go over again, repeat), literally meaning to rake over again like a farmer turning soil, applied metaphorically to repeated practice of theatrical performances.
Breakdown
dress (complete preparation, full attire) + rehearsal (re- again + hercier to rake/repeat), combining to mean a final practice performance in full costume and setting before the actual presentation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The bride insisted on having a dress rehearsal for her wedding, complete with fake bouquet and imaginary guests.”
“During the dress rehearsal, the lead actor forgot his lines and started improvising Shakespeare.”
“The orchestra's dress rehearsal revealed several timing issues that needed to be fixed.”
“She treated the job interview like a dress rehearsal for her dream career.”
📚Related Words
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