decorum

noun

de·​co·​rum di-ˈkȯr-əm 

1

: literary and dramatic propriety : fitness

according to strict neoclassic decorum only the aristocracy had the right to appear in tragedy

—Irving Babbitt

2

: propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance

strict in her notions of decorum

—Jane Austen

3

: orderliness

the organization's decorum has rarely been shaken

—W. F. Longgood

4

decorums plural : the conventions of polite behavior

the established sobrieties and decorums of English life

—H. G. Wells

Synonyms

• decency
• form
• propriety

Examples of decorum in a Sentence

He has no sense of decorum.

high standards of decorum are usually required when attending the opera

Recent Examples on the Web

However, throughout the classical Hollywood era, audiences generally abided by a code of decorum that seems lifted from a Jane Austen novel. —Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024

His parents wondered about proper decorum when sitting with the head of referee operations. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024

Not only does the sketch highlight the physical skills of each player, but also taps into the loss of social decorum that this time of year tends to bring out in people. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2024

Signs, banners, or clothing displaying messages or logos are also banned to maintain courtroom decorum. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of decorus — see decorous

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

decorum

noun

de·​co·​rum di-ˈkōr-əm 

-ˈkȯr-

1

: agreement with accepted standards of conduct : proper behavior

social decorum

2

: the state or condition of being calm, orderly, and well-regulated

the decorum of the meeting