Cocktail Dress Definition & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：semi-formal dress (cocktail dress)

cocktail dress 🔊

/ˈkɒkteɪl drɛs/

A short, stylish dress for semi-formal parties or events.

Woman in red cocktail dress at party with drinks

semi-formal dress 🔊

➕

/ˈsɛmi ˈfɔːrməl drɛs/

A short, elegant dress typically worn to semi-formal evening events such as cocktail parties, weddings, or receptions; designed to be stylish yet less formal than a full-length gown.

📁 Category：Fashion Trends 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'cocktail' (mixed drink) and 'dress' (garment).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine raising a martini glass while wearing a chic short dress at a glamorous party.

📖 Example

Sarah bought a beautiful new cocktail dress for her friend's birthday party at the fancy hotel. 🔊 Sarah bought a beautiful new cocktail dress for her friend's birthday party at the fancy hotel.

🔗 Collocations

wear a cocktail dress – to put on a cocktail dress for an event

little black cocktail dress – a classic, simple black cocktail dress

cocktail dress code – a dress code requiring semi-formal attire like cocktail dresses

🔄 Synonyms

party dress (n.) – a dress suitable for festive social occasions

evening dress (n.) – a formal dress for evening events, often longer than a cocktail dress

semi-formal dress (n.) – a dress that is less formal than a gown but more formal than casual wear

🚫 Antonyms

casual dress (n.) – a relaxed, informal dress for everyday wear

ball gown (n.) – a very formal, floor-length dress for grand occasions

day dress (n.) – a simple dress designed for daytime activities

🌱 Derivatives

cocktail (n.) – a mixed alcoholic drink

dressy (adj.) – formal or elegant in style

📖 Cultural Story

The cocktail dress emerged in the 1920s with the rise of cocktail parties, offering a shorter, more versatile alternative to evening gowns for semi-formal social events.