Costume Meaning

UK /ˈkɒs.tʃuːm/
US /ˈkɑːs.tuːm/
Word Definition
costume meaning

Costume Definition & Usage

noun

A set of clothes worn to represent a particular character, historical period, or for a special event.

Examples

  • "She wore a fairy costume to the party, complete with wings and a sparkling dress."
  • "The children were excited to wear their superhero costumes for Halloween."
  • "He donned a traditional medieval costume for the historical reenactment."
  • "At the costume ball, everyone arrived in elaborate outfits, from pirates to princesses."
  • "For the parade, the dancers wore bright costumes with feathers and sequins."
noun

The characteristic dress or attire associated with a particular culture, time period, or profession.

Examples

  • "The costume of the 18th-century aristocracy featured long, flowing gowns and powdered wigs."
  • "In many traditional festivals, the costume represents the region's cultural heritage."
  • "The museum displayed costumes from the Victorian era, showcasing the fashion trends of the time."
  • "The dancers wore elaborate costumes that depicted the rich cultural heritage of their country."
  • "The opera featured singers in costumes designed to reflect the historical period of the story."
verb

To dress in a particular style or type of clothing, often for a special occasion.

Examples

  • "For the party, she costumed herself as a witch with a black hat and broomstick."
  • "He costumed the children in pirate outfits for the birthday bash."
  • "She loves to costume herself in vintage dresses for themed events."
  • "They costumed their dog in a superhero cape for the pet parade."
  • "He was excited to costume as a knight for the Renaissance fair."

Cultural Context

Costumes are an integral part of many cultural and social traditions. They are particularly popular in festivals such as Halloween, Carnival, and masquerades, where individuals dress up to embody different characters, creatures, or historical figures. The idea of wearing costumes can also be traced back to ancient traditions, such as theatrical performances in Greece and Rome, where actors used costumes to represent different roles.

The Grand Costume Ball

Story

The Grand Costume Ball

On the night of the grand costume ball, Olivia stood before the mirror, admiring her outfit. She had chosen to wear an elaborate 1920s flapper dress, complete with a feathered headband and shimmering pearls. As she walked into the ballroom, the sight of so many colorful costumes filled her with excitement. There was a pirate with a sword, a woman in a vintage Victorian gown, and a couple dressed as Romeo and Juliet. Olivia's heart raced as she looked around, the costumes representing more than just fabric and thread—they were pieces of history, memories of a time long gone. She caught sight of her friend Leo, who had costumed himself as a Roman gladiator, complete with armor and a painted shield. 'You look incredible!' Olivia exclaimed, admiring his costume. Leo laughed, brushing his hair back. 'Thanks! It's all about getting the right costume for the right occasion. After all, this is the only night we can get away with dressing like this!' The night was filled with music, laughter, and dancing. Olivia felt as though she had stepped into another world, where she could escape into her costume and become someone else. Every person at the ball had a story to tell through their attire—whether it was a pirate daring to seek treasure or a queen commanding a kingdom. For one magical evening, they all shared a common bond through their costumes, weaving their individual narratives into the vibrant tapestry of the event.

The Grand Costume Ball