Definition

Noun: A social gathering where attendees wear costumes and masks, typically to conceal their identities, often as part of festive or themed entertainment.

Usage

A "masquerade party" is a specific type of event. The term is used to describe the party itself. - The charity fundraiser was a lavish masquerade party. - We're invited to a masquerade party on Halloween.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Attending a masquerade party requires an elaborate costume and a mask.
  • The mystery of the masquerade party was that no one knew who anyone else was.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a masquerade party": used to classify an event.
  • The ball wasn't just a formal dance; it was a full masquerade party.

Variants and Related Words

• Masquerade (noun): Can refer to the party itself, the costume worn, or a pretense or disguise.
  • The masquerade was the highlight of the carnival season.
• Masquerader (noun): A person who attends a masquerade party.
  • Each masquerader tried to guess the others' identities.

Synonyms

• Costume party: A party where guests wear costumes, though masks are not always required.
• Masked ball: A formal dance where participants wear masks.

Related Phrases

• "under the mask of": While not a phrasal verb, this phrase uses the core concept of disguise from "masquerade."
  • He operated under the mask of a legitimate businessman.

Noun

1. a party of guests wearing costumes and masks