costume
This term evokes the idea of transformation and identity, where clothing serves as a tool for performance or disguise rather than mere utility. It carries a strong association with theater, cinema, and cultural heritage, implying a deliberate choice of attire to signal a specific persona or origin. In a social context, it often refers to festive or temporary dress, such as for Halloween, where the goal is to mask the wearer's true identity. When used as a verb, it describes the professional process of designing and assigning clothing to actors to ensure visual consistency within a production.
Meanings
A set of clothes worn by an actor or performer to portray a specific character, period, or nationality.
"The lead actor wore an elaborate Victorian costume for the play."
A particular style of dress characteristic of a specific country, region, or historical era.
"The dancers were dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes."