I. ˈkäs-ˌtüm, -ˌtyüm also -təm or -ˌchüm noun
Etymology: French, from Italian, custom, dress, from Latin consuetudin-, consuetudo custom — more at custom
Date: 1799
1. : the prevailing fashion in coiffure, jewelry, and apparel of a period, country, or class
2. : an outfit worn to create the appearance characteristic of a particular period, person, place, or thing
Halloween costume s
3. : a person's ensemble of outer garments ; especially : a woman's ensemble of dress with coat or jacket
• cos·tum·ey adjective
II. käs-ˈtüm, -ˈtyüm also -ˈchüm; or ˈkäs-ˌ or -təm transitive verb
( cos·tumed ; cos·tum·ing )
Date: 1823
1. : to provide with a costume
2. : to design costumes for
costume a play
III. same as 1 adjective
Date: 1847
1. : characterized by the use of costumes
a costume ball
a costume drama
2. : suitable for or enhancing the effect of a particular costume
a costume handbag