costumenoun
uk/ˈkɒs.tʃuːm/us/ˈkɑː.stuːm/B2 [ C or U ] the set of clothes typical of a particular country or period of history, or suitable for a particular activity:
Singers performing Mozart's operas often dress in/wear historical costume.
The dancers leading the procession were in colourful and elaborate costumes.
UK The shop has a good selection of bikinis and bathing/swimming costumes.
B2 [ C ] UK also fancy-dress costume a set of clothes worn in order to look like someone or something else, especially for a party or as part of an entertainment:
Our host was wearing a clown costume.
The children were dressed in Halloween costumes.
More examples
- The children were wearing traditional national costume.
- The movie won Oscars for best costumes and best screenplay in this year's awards.
- She looked every inch a vampire in her costume.