Definition

Noun: A formal dance party or social gathering where attendees are required or expected to wear elaborate costumes, often with masks, representing specific characters, historical periods, or imaginative themes.

Usage

• The term is used to describe a specific type of formal event or party. It emphasizes the requirement of wearing a costume.
• It is often associated with charity events, historical reenactments, or themed celebrations like Halloween or Mardi Gras.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to hold a fancy-dress ball": to organize or host such an event.
  • The university holds a fancy-dress ball every year to celebrate the end of term.
• "fancy-dress ball attire": the specific clothing required for this event.
  • The invitation specified "fancy-dress ball attire: costumes from the 1920s."

Variants and Related Words

• Masquerade ball: A very similar type of event where wearing masks is a central feature. Often used interchangeably with "fancy-dress ball," though a masquerade ball may place more emphasis on anonymity and mystery.
• Costume party: A more general and often less formal term for a gathering where guests wear costumes.
• Fancy dress (noun, chiefly British): The costume itself, or the practice of wearing costumes.
  • She hired her fancy dress from a theatrical shop.

Synonyms

• Masquerade
• Costume ball
• Masked ball

Antonyms

• Black-tie event (a formal event with standard evening wear, not costumes)
• Casual party

Noun

1. a ball at which guests wear costumes and masks