Definition

1. Noun:
   • A dress suitable for formal occasions: A cocktail dress is a woman's semi-formal to formal dress, typically shorter in length than a full-length gown, designed for events like cocktail parties, evening social gatherings, or formal dinners.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She wore a beautiful black cocktail dress to the gallery opening.
  • For the wedding reception, a cocktail dress is the appropriate attire.

Advanced Usage

• "Little black dress": A classic, versatile cocktail dress in black.
  • Every woman should own a little black dress for formal events.

Variants and Related Words

• Evening gown (n): A full-length formal dress, typically more formal than a cocktail dress.
• Party dress (n): A dress for festive occasions, which can be less formal than a cocktail dress.

Synonyms

• Formal dress: Attire suitable for formal occasions.
• Evening dress: A dress worn for formal evening events.

Related Phrases

• Cocktail attire: The dress code specifying semi-formal wear, for which a cocktail dress is appropriate.
  • The invitation said "cocktail attire," so I'll wear my cocktail dress.

Noun

1. a dress suitable for formal occasions