unusual or period attire not characteristic of or appropriate to the time and place
"in spite of the heat he insisted on his woolen costume"
the prevalent fashion of dress (including accessories and hair style as well as garments)
"The local parade showcased a vibrant costume that reflected the town's unique cultural heritage, from the intricate embroidery on the dresses to the elaborate floral crowns worn by everyone."
the attire characteristic of a country or a time or a social class
"he wore his national costume"
A style of dress, including garments, accessories and hairstyle, especially as characteristic of a particular country, period or people.
"When visiting Kyoto in spring, many tourists wear traditional kimonos to fully embrace the authentic costume of that historic region."
In plain English: A costume is an outfit you wear to look like a specific character or for a special event like Halloween.
"We rented a funny costume to wear at the Halloween party."
Usage: Use costume to describe clothing that imitates the style of a specific historical era, culture, or character for events like Halloween or theater productions. Avoid using it when referring to everyday fashion or personal style unless you are specifically highlighting a deliberate imitation of another time or place.
furnish with costumes; as for a film or play
"The production designer spent months furnishing the theater's upcoming adaptation of Hamlet with elaborate costumes to match the director's vision."
To dress or adorn with a costume or appropriate garb.
"The parade participants spent hours crafting elaborate costumes to transform into their favorite superheroes."
In plain English: To costume someone means to dress them up in a specific outfit, usually for a party or performance.
"He costume up as a superhero for the party."
Usage: Use "costume" as a verb only when referring to dressing someone up in a specific outfit, such as for a party or play; it is rarely used in everyday conversation and often sounds formal or theatrical. For example, you might say the children were costumed as superheroes for Halloween rather than using more common phrases like "dressed up."
The word "costume" entered English via the French language, originally derived from the Latin term consuētūdō, which meant "custom" or "habit." While it shares a root with words like "custom," its specific sense of clothing developed later in the 19th century.