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

Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Robbie Hoy said the video taken of the altercation shows that deputies did not assault anyone in their attempt to maintain decorum at the commissioners court. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2025

Longshore described what was ultimately a performance piece captured on video as peeling back layers of social conditioning—first decorum, then guilt, and then, inevitably, greed. —Lilian Raji, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Fair enough to want to solve a murder or whatever, but have some decorum, babe! —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024

During the vote, Democrats and Republicans maintained decorum, with each party clapping for their candidate as tellers read the votes. —Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Jan. 2025

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