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 of decorum

• 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

Earlier on Thursday, Judge Curtis Faber rejected Weinstein's bid for a new trial in Haley's case, ruling juror complaints about decorum in the deliberation room were adequately addressed. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2026

The Maine Democrat, a former Marine, has always conducted himself with decorum and seriousness. —David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026

Attendees will often hear council members stress a need for decorum. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025

County officials maintained at the time that the policy was intended to maintain order and decorum. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 Dec. 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