decorum

noun

de·​co·​rum di-ˈkȯr-əm How to pronounce decorum (audio)
1
: literary and dramatic propriety : fitness
according to strict neoclassic decorum only the aristocracy had the right to appear in tragedyIrving Babbitt
2
: propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
strict in her notions of decorumJane Austen
3
: orderliness
the organization's decorum has rarely been shakenW. F. Longgood
4
decorums plural : the conventions of polite behavior
the established sobrieties and decorums of English lifeH. G. Wells

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
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.
Others try to maintain decorum by long-striding into the queue. Nick Robins-Early, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 According to a LinkedIn article, public interactions have become increasingly harsh, with some attributing it to stress, cultural shifts and a decline in patience for those who do not fit personal expectations of decorum. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 The lack of empathy, the lack of decorum — using profanity at a press conference — and to politicize a tragedy is really unconscionable. Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025 The policy also gives sheriff’s deputies the power to issue criminal trespass warnings to those who violate rules of decorum, which can come with a 180-day ban from the county administrative building. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decorum

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of decorus — see decorous

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decorum was in 1568

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decorum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorum. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

decorum

noun
de·​co·​rum di-ˈkōr-əm How to pronounce decorum (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on decorum

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