outfits

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   Sets of clothes worn together for a particular occasion or activity.

   Grammar: Countable noun; use 'an outfit' for one set or 'outfits' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • a ... outfit
   • wear an outfit
   • in a ... outfit

   She bought two new outfits for the wedding.

   The children wore matching outfits to the party.

   He packed three outfits for the weekend trip.

2. 2nouncountableinformal

   Groups of people working together as a team or organization, often in business or military contexts.

   Grammar: Countable and often used in the plural to mean several groups.

   Patterns

   • a small outfit
   • a criminal outfit
   • a military outfit

   The company is a small outfit with just ten employees.

   The police arrested members of a criminal outfit.

   That military outfit is known for its tough training.

Word forms

Common combinations

a smart outfit

He wore a smart outfit to the interview.

a casual outfit

She prefers a casual outfit for weekends.

a matching outfit

The twins wore matching outfits.

a business outfit

You need a business outfit for the meeting.

a wedding outfit

She chose a pink wedding outfit.

Synonyms and how they differ

clothes

General word for items you wear; 'outfit' means a set chosen to go together.

costume

Used for special or theatrical clothes; 'outfit' is more everyday.

ensemble

Formal and used in fashion; 'outfit' is the common word.

Word family

outfit verb

To provide someone with clothes or equipment.

outfitter noun

A person or shop that sells clothes or equipment.

Commonly confused: outfits or outlet?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “outfits”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words