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.
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 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

Dictionary Entries Near decorum

Cite this Entry

“Decorum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorum. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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