courtly

1 of 2

adjective

court·​ly ˈkȯrt-lē 

courtlier; courtliest

1

a

: of a quality befitting the court : elegant

b

: insincerely flattering

2

: favoring the policy or party of the court

courtliness noun

courtly

2 of 2

adverb

: in a courtly manner : politely

Synonyms of courtly

Adjective

• graceful
• handsome
• elegant
• fine
• royal
• gallant

Examples of courtly in a Sentence

Adjective

his courtly manners made him a favorite escort of widowed socialites

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Raves for Montana Levi Blanco’s lush costumes in the courtly, Elizabethan style could be overheard around the table, and rightfully so; their opulence and sick glamour struck the perfect note for the depravity of the piece’s villainous couple. — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Popular music from the 1960s blended the Khmer heritage of courtly performing arts with French cabaret songs, brass music, and bossa nova introduced by way of the Philippines. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 15 Sep. 2026

Javanese, from the Indonesian capital island, tends to be courtly and airy. — Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

circa 1592, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing courtly

• courtly love

Rhymes for courtly

• portly
• shortly

Kids Definition

courtly

adjective

court·​ly

ˈkō(ə)rt-lē, 

ˈkȯ(ə)rt-

: suitable to a royal court : elegant

courtly manners

courtliness noun