Costume
/ˈkɒs.tjuːm/noun
A style of dress, especially one worn for a particular purpose, period, or role.
Did you know?The word entered English through French from Italian and ultimately traces back to Latin *consuetudo*, meaning “custom” or “habit,” so a costume was originally about social convention, not Halloween disguise.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
consuetudo
“custom, habit, established practice”
Late Latin
Latin
consuescere
“to become accustomed to”
Old Italian
Italian
costume
“custom, fashion, usage”
17th Century
French
costume
“custom, dress, attire”
18th Century
English
costume
“dress, style of clothing; later, disguise or theatrical dress”
Explore more surprising origins