dressy

adjective

ˈdre-sē How to pronounce dressy (audio)
dressier; dressiest
Synonyms of dressynext
1
: showy in dress
2
: stylish, smart
dressy clothes
3
: requiring or characterized by fancy or formal dress
a dressy affair
dressiness noun

Synonyms of dressy

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Examples of dressy in a Sentence

Those shoes are so dressy, I rarely wear them. She wore an outfit that was much too dressy for the occasion.
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.
Rider seems to be agnostic about what’s dressy or casual; austere or bohemian; sporty or formal; preppy or punk; town or country. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 This boozy, four-layer cake has dressy holiday dinner party written all over it. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026 Made with satin and faux suede accents, these ballerina sneakers are a dressy alternative to Field’s floral lace pair. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026 The darker denim looks dressier than your everyday light wash pair, yet it can still be worn casually with sneakers and a cardigan. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dressy

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dressy was in 1737

Rhymes for dressy

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Browse Nearby Words

dress up
dressy
drew
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Cite this Entry

“Dressy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dressy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dressy

adjective
ˈdres-ē How to pronounce dressy (audio)
dressier; dressiest
1
: showy in dress
2
: suitable for formal occasions
dressy clothes
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