dressing-room

A woman checks her reflection in the dressing-room mirror.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A room for dressing: a room used for changing clothes, typically adjacent to a bedroom or in a theatre, sports facility, or private home. It often includes a mirror, a sink, and storage for clothing or makeup.

Usage Examples

• (A room next to a bedroom used for preparing one's appearance.)
• (A room in a theatre where performers change costumes and apply makeup.)
• (A room in a sports centre for changing into athletic wear.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dressing-room gossip": informal conversation or rumours that occur in a dressing-room, often in a theatrical or sports context.

  • The team's dressing-room gossip suggested a new player would be traded. (Casual talk among athletes in the changing area.)

• "Dressing-room mirror": a large mirror commonly found in a dressing-room to assist with adjusting clothing or makeup.

  • She checked her hair in the dressing-room mirror before the curtain rose. (The mirror used for personal grooming.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dressing-table (n): a table with a mirror, used for applying makeup or arranging hair.
  • She sat at her dressing-table to apply lipstick. (A piece of furniture often found in a dressing-room.)
• Dressing-gown (n): a loose robe worn when dressing or undressing.
  • He put on his dressing-gown after stepping out of the dressing-room. (A garment associated with the dressing process.)

Synonyms

• Changing room: a room where people change clothes, especially in a public facility like a gym or store.
• Locker room: a room in a sports facility with lockers for storing clothes and equipment.
• Fitting room: a small room in a shop where customers try on clothes (distinct from a dressing-room, which is more private or personal).

Related Idioms

• "In the dressing-room": used metaphorically to refer to a private or preparatory stage before a public event.
  • The negotiations were still in the dressing-room, with no final agreement yet. (Still being prepared or discussed privately.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Dress up in the dressing-room: to put on formal or special clothing in a dressing-room.

  • She dressed up in the dressing-room for the award ceremony. (Changed into formal attire.)

• Get changed in the dressing-room: to change clothes in a dressing-room.

  • The players got changed in the dressing-room before the match. (Put on their uniforms.)