dress rehearsal

Meaning

A dress rehearsal is the final practice of a play, opera, or show before the actual public performance. During this rehearsal, the actors wear their full costumes, use makeup, and perform the entire show without stopping, exactly as they would for a real audience. Metaphorically, it can refer to a practice run or trial of any major event.

Examples

• The dress rehearsal was a bit chaotic, but the opening night went perfectly.

  The dress rehearsal was a bit chaotic, but the opening night went perfectly.

• We need to treat this presentation like a dress rehearsal for the client meeting.

  We need to treat this presentation like a dress rehearsal for the client meeting.

• The actors were exhausted after a four-hour dress rehearsal last night.

  The actors were exhausted after a four-hour dress rehearsal last night.

• During the dress rehearsal, the director noticed a major issue with the lighting.

  During the dress rehearsal, the director noticed a major issue with the lighting.

• Everyone must wear their full costumes and makeup for tomorrow's dress rehearsal.

  Everyone must wear their full costumes and makeup for tomorrow's dress rehearsal.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We had a clothes rehearsal yesterday to check the costumes.

  ✓ We had a dress rehearsal yesterday to check the costumes.

  The standard English term is 'dress rehearsal', even though it refers to all types of costumes, not just dresses.

• ✗ The band performed a dress rehearsal for their new album.

  ✓ The band had a dress rehearsal before starting their tour.

  You don't have a dress rehearsal for a recorded album; it is used for live, staged performances or events.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Tomorrow is the last ___, so make sure you have all your props ready.

  💡 The final full practice with costumes.

  Show answer

  dress rehearsal

• Think of this mock interview as a ___ for the real thing next week.

  💡 A practice run of a major event.

  Show answer

  dress rehearsal