dress rehearsal

noun

Synonyms of dress rehearsalnext
1
: a full rehearsal (as of a play) in costume and with stage properties shortly before the first performance
2
: a practice exercise for something to come : dry run

Examples of dress rehearsal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dolphins’ preseason opener against the Commanders on Friday at Northwest Stadium might present a dress rehearsal right off the bat for this new-look roster. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 The cyberattacks on water systems in Michigan were a dress rehearsal for a more damaging attack on the electrical grid. — Letters To The Editor, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 ArianeGroup has completed a wet dress rehearsal of the Themis reusable booster demonstrator at the Esrange Space Centre in Sweden, European Spaceflight reports. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 Use strong-arm tactics, such as the confiscation of old ballots, to intimidate officials and possibly serve as a dress rehearsal for federal muscle-flexing in future elections. — James Robenalt, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dress rehearsal

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dress rehearsal was in 1812

Rhymes for dress rehearsal

See All Rhymes for dress rehearsal

Browse Nearby Words

dress pattern
dress rehearsal
dress shield
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dress rehearsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dress%20rehearsal. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dress rehearsal

noun
: a rehearsal of a play in costume and with stage properties shortly before the first performance

More from Merriam-Webster on dress rehearsal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dress rehearsal

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