costumier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Professional
Quick answer
What does “costumier” mean?
A person or company that makes, rents, or sells theatrical costumes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or company that makes, rents, or sells theatrical costumes.
A specialist in designing, creating, supplying, or hiring costumes for the performing arts (theatre, film, opera) or for special events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but 'costumer' is a more common alternative in American English, especially in the film/TV industry.
Connotations
In the UK, 'costumier' often carries a slightly more traditional, theatrical, or craft-oriented connotation. In the US, 'costume designer' is a more frequent job title.
Frequency
More frequently used in the UK. In the US, 'costumer' or 'costume designer' is often preferred, though 'costumier' is understood in professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “costumier” in a Sentence
[Theatre/Company] hired a costumier for [Production].She works as a costumier at [Institution].The costumes were supplied by a renowned costumier.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “costumier” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A for 'costumier' as a verb. The related verb is 'to costume'.
American English
- N/A for 'costumier' as a verb. The related verb is 'to costume'.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A for 'costumier' as an adjective. The related adjective is 'costume' (e.g., costume department).
American English
- N/A for 'costumier' as an adjective. The related adjective is 'costume' (e.g., costume design).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts and negotiations for costume provision.
Academic
Used in theatre history, film studies, or fashion history texts.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing theatre or film production.
Technical
Standard term in theatre, film, and television production credits and documentation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “costumier”
- Spelling: 'costumeir', 'costumire'. Pronunciation: Misplacing stress on the first syllable ('COSTumier'). Using it to refer to someone who merely wears a costume.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A costumier specializes in costumes for performance or character, which may involve historical research, durability for multiple performances, and dramatic effect, whereas a fashion designer focuses on contemporary wear for the general public.
It would be technically correct but overly formal. Terms like 'costume shop', 'costume hire store', or 'party store' are more common in everyday language for that context.
A costumier typically makes, designs, or supplies the costumes. A wardrobe mistress/master is responsible for maintaining, repairing, organizing, and helping actors change into the costumes during a production run.
It is a recognized professional title, especially in the UK and in traditional theatre. In modern film/TV credits, 'Costume Designer' and 'Costume Supervisor' are more prevalent, though companies that rent costumes may be called 'costumiers'.
A person or company that makes, rents, or sells theatrical costumes.
Costumier is usually formal, professional in register.
Costumier: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈstjuː.mi.eɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːˈstuː.mi.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COSTUMIER makes COSTUMES for the THEATRE. The '-ier' ending is like 'cavalier' or 'brigadier' – a person with a specific role.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COSTUMIER IS AN ARTISAN/ARCHITECT (of appearance). They construct the visual identity of a character.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a costumier?