finery

noun

fin·​ery ˈfī-nə-rē How to pronounce finery (audio)
ˈfīn-rē
plural fineries
: ornament, decoration
especially : dressy or showy clothing and jewels

Examples of finery in a Sentence

She was proud to show off her new evening finery. the guests arrived at the wedding in all their finery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Friday, May 2, Black designers based in Charlotte will burst on the scene in finery, in flash and pomp during an evening-long showcase. Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025 Standing in 18th-century finery, and with his glasses shoved up to his forehead (as was Henry’s habit), Tucker was videotaped standing in the very spot Henry did — the nearby St. John’s Church in Richmond, four miles east — 250 years ago. John Hanc, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Laura Harrier at the 2025 Met Gala Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Posen drew inspiration from family photographs of her father and grandfather in their Sunday finery, according to a press release. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 6 May 2025 Come for the lingering glamour shots of Keene and Hyland, resplendent in their 1930s finery, stay for the hypnotic overhead shots of the rocky coast off Gull’s Point. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for finery

Word History

Etymology

fine entry 1 + -ery

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finery was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finery. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

finery

noun
fin·​ery ˈfīn-(ə-)rē How to pronounce finery (audio)
plural fineries
: showy clothing and jewels

More from Merriam-Webster on finery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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