costume
B1Neutral to formal for the noun; the verb is formal/technical (performing arts).
Definition
Meaning
A set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period, or clothing worn to look like someone or something else, especially for a party or entertainment.
In theatre, film, or similar performances: a set of clothes worn by an actor. More broadly, a style of clothing, adornment, or personal presentation characteristic of a specific group, era, or profession.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is 'specialised or characteristic set of clothes'. It does not generally refer to everyday clothing (unlike the French 'costume'). In the context of historical dress or national dress, it implies a sense of tradition or performance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'costume' in everyday contexts strongly implies fancy dress (e.g., for a party). In American English, this is also common, but the word can also be used more generally for a set of clothes, especially a matching set like a woman's 'bathing costume' (swimsuit) or 'riding costume' (rare).
Connotations
UK: Strong association with parties, theatre, and pretending. US: Similar, but slightly broader, with some historical/dated usage for matching outfits.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. 'Fancy dress' is the typical UK phrase for a party costume; in the US, it's just 'costume' or 'Halloween costume'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + costume: wear, design, create, make, rent, change into, fitcostume + [noun]: costume design, costume department, costume changeadjective + costume: elaborate, traditional, historical, national, theatricalVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In costume (dressed for a role/event)”
- “Costume jewellery (inexpensive, decorative jewellery)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like entertainment ('costume rental business', 'costume design studio').
Academic
Used in studies of history, anthropology, theatre, and film (e.g., 'analysing Victorian costume', 'the semiotics of costume in film').
Everyday
Very common, especially around holidays like Halloween or for themed parties ('What's your costume going to be?').
Technical
Core term in theatre, film, and television production ('The costume department', 'costume plot', 'costume parade').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The production team will costume the entire cast in authentic Edwardian attire.
- She was costumed as a pirate for the pageant.
American English
- The film spent millions to costume its hundreds of extras accurately.
- He was costumed in a elaborate lion outfit.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable; 'costume' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable; 'costume' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The costume department is on the third floor.
- It was a brilliant costume drama set in the 1920s.
American English
- She bought some lovely costume jewelry to match her dress.
- The play's costume design won an award.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children wore funny costumes for Halloween.
- She has a beautiful traditional costume from her country.
- I need to think of a costume for the fancy dress party next week.
- The actors were already in costume before the show started.
- The museum exhibition features costumes worn by actors in famous Shakespearean productions.
- Designing the costumes for a historical film requires extensive research.
- The film's meticulous attention to period costume contributed significantly to its immersive atmosphere.
- Her academic thesis deconstructs the use of costume as a narrative device in contemporary cinema.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COSTume reminds you of the COST of putting together a special outfit for a play or party.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING AS DISGUISE/ROLE (Putting on a costume is putting on a different identity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'costume' for a business suit. In English, a business suit is just a 'suit'. 'Costume' will sound like you're wearing a theatrical outfit.
- The Russian 'костюм' (suit) is a false friend. English 'costume' is closer to 'костюмированный наряд' or 'маскарадный костюм'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'costume' to mean a regular suit (e.g., 'He wore a nice costume to the interview' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'custom' (made to order) with 'costume'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'costume' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Costume' is about clothing (noun) or providing clothing (verb). 'Custom' is about tradition or something made specially for a person (noun/adjective). They are completely different words.
No, that's the point. 'Costume jewellery' is fashion jewellery made from inexpensive materials, as opposed to fine jewellery made from precious metals and gems.
Yes, but it's a formal or technical term used in theatre, film, and similar contexts. It means 'to provide with or dress in a costume' (e.g., 'The studio costumed all the actors').
They also call it a 'Halloween costume', but more generally, a party costume is called 'fancy dress'. So a 'Halloween costume' is a type of 'fancy dress'.
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