deck out
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To make a place or person look really special by adding lots of decorations or fancy clothes.
Literal meaning: To put a deck (surface/floor) out — extended to mean covering something with a layer of decoration.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To decorate a place elaborately, especially for a special occasion.
"The hall was decked out with fairy lights and garlands for the New Year's party."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To dress someone in elaborate, impressive, or festive clothing.
"She was decked out in a stunning red gown and matching heels."
"Deck the halls with boughs of holly."
— Traditional Christmas carol, 'Deck the Halls' (Welsh origin, published 1881)
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often used in the passive ('decked out in'). Commonly used to describe rooms decorated for events or people wearing impressive outfits. Predominantly informal; more common in American English.
Commonly used with
flags lights bunting Christmas decorations jewels finery
Forms
Base
deck out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
decks out
he/she/it
Past simple
decked out
yesterday
Past participle
decked out
have + pp
-ing form
decking out
continuous
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Synonyms
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