attire

[uh-tahyuhr]

verb (used with object)

attired, attiring 

1. to dress, array, or adorn, especially for special occasions, ceremonials, etc.

noun

1. clothes or apparel, especially rich or splendid garments.

2. the horns of a deer.

attire

/ əˈtaɪə /

verb

1. (tr) to dress, esp in fine elegant clothes; array

noun

1. clothes or garments, esp if fine or decorative

2. the antlers of a mature male deer

Other Word Forms

• reattire verb (used with object)
• unattired adjective
• well-attired adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attire¹

1250–1300; (v.) Middle English atiren < Anglo-French atirer, Old French atirier, verbal derivative of a tire into a row or rank ( a- ³, tier ¹ ); (noun) Middle English atir < Anglo-French, noun derivative of the v.

Word History and Origins

Origin of attire¹

C13: from Old French atirier to put in order, from tire row; see _tier ¹

Example Sentences

The health secretary’s questionable workout attire caught the eye of social media users last month, when he shared a photo of himself and his son at the summit of Arizona’s Camelback Mountain.

From Salon

The post used a fake image of Swift wearing Uncle Sam’s signature attire.

From Los Angeles Times

Another point of contention in February's meeting - Zelensky's attire - also made a return.

From BBC

A mix of chic internationals, tourists, a group of young, trendy up-and-comers, and the rest of us wearing yesterday’s attire.

From Los Angeles Times

These historical sites are at the heart of a longstanding cultural rivalry between the two countries, which also extends to the realms of sports, cuisine and attire.

From BBC

Related Words

• apparel 
• clothes 
• costume 
• dress 
• garb 
• getup 
• habit 
• uniform 
• vestment