Window Dressing

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈwɪndoʊ ˈdrɛsɪŋ/

Definitions of window dressing

noun a decorative display or arrangement used to enhance the appearance of something without providing any real benefit or function

Example Sentences

A1 Window dressing is when you decorate a window with curtains or blinds.

A2 The store used window dressing to attract customers by displaying their best products.

B1 The company's financial report was criticized for being just window dressing, with no real substance.

B2 The politician's promises were seen as mere window dressing to gain votes.

C1 The CEO's focus on sustainability was not just window dressing, but a genuine commitment to social responsibility.

C2 The artist used the concept of window dressing in her latest installation to challenge perceptions of beauty and consumerism.

Examples of window dressing in a Sentence

formal The company's annual report includes detailed financial information, not just window dressing.

informal Don't be fooled by all the window dressing in the store, the prices are still too high.

slang All that fancy artwork on the walls is just window dressing to distract from the real issues.

figurative His promises of change were just window dressing, he had no intention of following through.

Grammatical Forms of window dressing

past tense

window dressed

plural

window dressings

comparative

more window dressing

superlative

most window dressing

present tense

window dresses

future tense

will window dress

perfect tense

have window dressed

continuous tense

is window dressing

singular

window dressing

positive degree

window dressing

infinitive

to window dress

gerund

window dressing

participle

window dressed

Origin and Evolution of window dressing

First Known Use: 1883 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'window dressing' originated from the practice of decorating store windows to attract customers and make the display more appealing.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'window dressing' has evolved to also refer to actions taken to make something appear better or more attractive than it really is, often in a deceptive or superficial way.