costuming: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “costuming” mean?
The art, process, or profession of designing, making, and arranging costumes, especially for theatrical, film, or television productions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The art, process, or profession of designing, making, and arranging costumes, especially for theatrical, film, or television productions.
The selection and wearing of distinctive clothing for a specific purpose, role, or event, such as historical reenactment, cosplay, or themed parties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling of related words follows regional norms (e.g., theatre/theater).
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with professional theatre, film, and television industries.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used primarily in specific artistic/entertainment contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “costuming” in a Sentence
[Noun] + costuming (e.g., film costuming)costuming + [for + Noun Phrase] (e.g., costuming for the play)costuming + [of + Noun Phrase] (e.g., costuming of the characters)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “costuming” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The designer is costuming the entire production in authentic Victorian attire.
- They spent weeks costuming the cast for the historical drama.
American English
- She is costuming the indie film on a very tight budget.
- His job involves costuming actors for period pieces.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'in terms of costuming' or similar.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. Use 'from a costuming perspective' or similar.]
adjective
British English
- The costuming budget was the first to be cut.
- She works in the costuming department at the National Theatre.
American English
- They won an award for their costuming work on the show.
- The costuming choices helped define the film's aesthetic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in budgets or credits for production companies.
Academic
Used in theatre, film, and fashion studies departments.
Everyday
Very rare. More likely in hobbies like cosplay or historical reenactment communities.
Technical
Standard term in theatre, film, television, and live performance industries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “costuming”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “costuming”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “costuming”
- Using 'costume' as an uncountable noun for the field (incorrect: 'She studies costume'; correct: 'She studies costuming/costume design').
- Confusing 'costuming' (activity) with 'costume' (the item).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Fashion design is primarily about creating contemporary clothing for the public market. Costuming is about creating clothing for a specific character, narrative, or performance, often from a different time period or reality.
It would be unusual and sound overly technical. In everyday language, you would say 'choosing a costume' or 'deciding what to wear'. 'Costuming' implies a deliberate, often professional, creative process.
They are often synonymous in film/TV credits. However, 'wardrobe' can refer more to the department managing and maintaining costumes, while 'costuming' emphasizes the creative design and construction process. 'Wardrobe' is also the more common term in the UK for the department.
Generally, it is an uncountable (mass) noun referring to the field or activity. You don't say 'a costuming' or 'several costumings'. You can, however, refer to 'the costuming' of a specific production.
The art, process, or profession of designing, making, and arranging costumes, especially for theatrical, film, or television productions.
Costuming is usually formal, technical, artistic in register.
Costuming: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒs.tjuː.mɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.stuː.mɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'costuming']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COSTuming is the COST of creating a STUNNING outfit for the stage.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING AS CHARACTER / CLOTHING AS TRANSFORMATION. The costumes are a skin that changes the actor's identity.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'costuming' LEAST likely to be used?