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

• decency
• form
• 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

Prior to the 2016 election between Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a handshake was a central part of decorum of presidential debates. – Karissa Waddick Where do Trump and Biden stand on Ukraine? —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 28 June 2024

At 90 percent humidity, decorum goes out the window; the elements bend you to their will. —Laura Van Den Berg, New York Times, 11 June 2024

Unlike adults, babies pass gas with a little less decorum or restraint. —Anita K. Henry, Parents, 1 July 2024

Clinton’s demolition of Trump’s house of cards was devastating and his responses were disasters by objective standards of decorum. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 26 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of decorus — see decorous

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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