What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bandage
Example
Please apply a bandage to the cut on your finger. [bandage: noun]
Example
The nurse will bandage your ankle to provide support. [bandage: verb]
dressing
Example
The doctor will change your wound dressing tomorrow. [dressing: noun]
Example
Make sure to dress the wound with clean gauze. [dressing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bandage is more commonly used than dressing in everyday language. Bandage is a versatile term that covers a wide range of minor injuries, while dressing is more specific to larger wounds and surgical incisions in medical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bandage and dressing?
Both bandage and dressing can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, dressing is more commonly used in medical or professional settings due to its specific medical connotation.
