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

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

Like class, decorum and modesty go out the window with adulthood. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 18 Nov. 2024

While visiting, make sure to display proper decorum by wearing long or below-knee trousers, skirts below the knee and shirts that cover shoulders, the church's website explains. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2024

Permitting public access to the trial was the last priority listed in Gull's decorum order. —Eric Larsen, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 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