a set of clothes worn to look like someone or something else at a party, parade, or celebration, especially on Halloween or at a fancy-dress event
Mia wore a pirate costume to the Halloween party.
His superhero costume ripped just before the contest.
the set of clothes, shoes, and accessories an actor, dancer, or other performer wears to show a particular character or time period
The actor tried on his costume before stepping on stage.
Each dancer's sparkling costume was covered in silver sequins.
✦ Borrowed from French costume in the 18th century, ultimately from Italian costume meaning “fashion or habit.”
the traditional style of dress that is typical of a particular country, culture, or historical period
The dancers performed in bright Hanbok costume during the festival.
Paintings from 18th-century France show people in period costume.
(informal, chiefly British) a swimming suit
Don't forget your costume when we go to the pool.
She bought a new striped costume for the beach holiday.
to dress someone, or provide clothes, especially special or period clothes, for a performance or event
The designer costumed the actors in elegant Victorian outfits.
For the school play, parents costume their children as animals.
