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

Adjective

• classy
• elegant
• fine
• graceful
• handsome
• majestic
• refined
• stately
• tasteful

Examples of courtly in a Sentence

Adjective

his courtly manners made him a favorite escort of widowed socialites

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For any living room that could use a charming focal point, this number from Mackenzie Childs in their signature courtly check indicates style, and design know-how. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025

Inside the feudal fortress, decorative interiors include frescoes credited to Benedetto Bembo, such as Camera d’Oro, a room that depicts courtly interactions between Pier Maria Rossi and Bianca Pellegrini and recounts the tale of their love. —Gulnaz Khan, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025

Adverb

The courtly intrigue frequently takes on a goofy, vulgar bent. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 June 2024

Best of all is the lively triple-time finale, which evokes the long history of courtly hunting music, with an alluring short section in minor key. —Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 9 May 2024

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