ladylike

adjective

la·​dy·​like ˈlā-dē-ˌlīk 

1

: of a kind traditionally considered suitable to or attractive for a woman

Mrs. Douglas arrived for the March 1st meeting at park headquarters wearing her white spring coat, her ladylike Panama hat, and a single strand of white beads.

—Dava Sobel

Yves Saint Laurent gives a perfectly proper, ladylike suit a powerful punch by cutting it in python.

—The New York Times Magazine

Charlotte, who is known to be a tomboy, topped off her ladylike look with a matching bow in her hair.

—Aurora Bosotti

2

: having or showing the appearance or good manners traditionally associated with aristocratic women

her polite, ladylike mother

ladylike elegance

… it didn't seem quite ladylike to say something like that, straight out.

—Katherine Paterson

Jill was putting ladylike bites of turnip in her mouth and washing them down with long, quiet sips of water.

—Molly Tripp

3

: feeling or showing too much concern about elegance or propriety

This plot turns on the sisters' ladylike reluctance to examine the question of their kittens' sex too directly …

—June Howard

4

: having qualities traditionally associated with a woman : womanly

And Vincent hired a voice coach to teach her to talk like a guy … . Ned also came with a dusting of fake stubble for Vincent's smooth, pink, ladylike cheeks …

—Lev Grossman

Each step he takes, delicate, cautious, even ladylike, the step, perhaps, of a man whose eyesight is not altogether reliable …

—Robert Kantwell

Examples of ladylike in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sheer, butter yellow chiffon dress had an empire waistline, high neck, and ladylike cap sleeves that offset the risqué nature of the totally transparent bodice. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2024

Mike Marsland Bottega Veneta resort 2025, look 16 Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta Barbaro, who stepped into Joan Baez’s shoes in the film, opted for a more ladylike premiere look. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

One of Bernard Arnault’s smaller, under-the-radar brands known mostly for its ladylike, top-handle bags, Moynat prides itself on an artisanal approach based on rare raw materials and haute savoir-faire. —Miles Socha, WWD, 19 Nov. 2024

So far this fall, sumptuous suede skirts, ladylike A-line styles, sleek leather midis, and even preppy plaid picks have made it onto our radar. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ladylike

adjective

la·​dy·​like ˈlād-ē-ˌlīk 

1

: resembling a lady in appearance or manners

2

: suitable to a lady

ladylike behavior