Did you know?
If you’re looking for a polite topic of conversation to raise at your next gathering of word lovers, we’ve got just the ticket. The French word étiquette means “ticket”; its direct French ancestor also referred to a label attached to something for description or identification. Spaniards of the 16th-century adopted the French word (altering it to etiqueta), and used it to refer to the written protocols describing the behavior demanded of those who appeared at court. Eventually, etiqueta came to be applied to the court ceremonies themselves as well as to the documents which outlined their requirements. Word of this linguistic development got back to the French, who then expanded their word’s meaning to include “proper court behavior” along with its “label” sense. By the middle of the 18th century English speakers had taken on etiquette as their own, applying it to the rules that indicate the proper and polite way to behave, whether in the presence or royalty or not.
Examples of etiquette in a Sentence
Tamara Shopsin, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025
Traditional philosophies grounded in spirituality and cultural etiquette breathe life into how locals interact with visitors, even in the most rural regions.
—Malik Peay, Them., 15 Dec. 2025
Legal Risks Common decency and a low level of etiquette would indicate that shoveling your snow off onto your neighbor’s lawn or yard is a poor decision that is sure to cause problems.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
The video has sparked a wider discussion about in-flight etiquette — with some travelers expressing concerns about strong smells, potential spills and the use of personal appliances in tight cabin spaces.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for etiquette
Cite this Entry
“Etiquette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etiquette. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share