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

• etiquette
• decency
• 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

Young American heiresses were a premium export, trained in the distinctly English sense of propriety and decorum imported by their parents. —Elle Carroll, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025

Where have decorum and ethics gone among our politicians? —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2025

But there’s no getting around the fact that his past behavior and openness to violence have lowered the bar for decorum in American politics. —Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 13 June 2025

Imagine a version of CNN’s Presidential Townhall that’s somehow more demented and with less decorum. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of decorus — see decorous

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for decorum

• picloram
• pullorum
• aurum
• foram
• forum
• quorum
• digitorum
• neonatorum

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