courtly

1 of 3

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 3

adverb

: in a courtly manner : politely

courtliness

3 of 3

noun

court·​li·​ness

ˈkȯrt-lē-nəs

plural -es

: the quality of being courtly : elegance, dignity

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

His Buena Vista Social Club premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and the courtly gents from Havana beat out their electrifying rhythms. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 June 2026

In addition to writing the show, his central acting turn as Vega/Zorro showcases a formidable skillset as a courtly presence equipped with agile swordplay and a cracking bullwhip. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 12 May 2026

Adverb

Originally a staple of courtly dining in Europe, candlesticks and candelabra tended to follow the decorative movements of the moment. —Sarah Archer, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 2026

But as all the world knows, Edmond Dantès did rise again, transformed from an innocent young sailor into that courtly yet implacable avenger, the Count of Monte Cristo. —Michael Dirda, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 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