Definition of decorum
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
From the M-W Editors
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 of decorum from the Web
-
Immediately after the vote tally, senators and staffers burst into applause, an unusual show of support in a room generally marked by decorum and restraint.
-
Cruz's Texas colleague, Sen. John Cornyn, took exception to the fact that Franken was discussing Cruz while Cruz wasn't in the room to defend himself, saying Franken was breaking Senate decorum rules.
-
Peterson had tried to set the tone at the start of the meeting by urging civility, and most people paid heed to gentle reminders to stay within the bounds of Senate decorum.
-
The decorum of the stand-up class is gone; students now perform with ferocious abandon.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decorum'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of decorum
Latin, from neuter of decorus —see decorous
DECORUM Defined for English Language Learners
decorum
playDefinition of decorum for English Language Learners
-
: correct or proper behavior that shows respect and good manners
DECORUM Defined for Kids
decorum
playDefinition of decorum for Students
: proper behavior Grandpa insisted on decorum during the ceremony.
Learn More about decorum
-
See words that rhyme with decorum Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decorum Spanish Central: Translation of decorum Nglish: Translation of decorum for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of decorum for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decorum
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up decorum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!