ladylike

adjective la·dy·like \ ˈlā-dē-ˌlīk \

Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of ladylike

1 : becoming or suitable to a lady

2 : resembling a lady in appearance or manners : well-bred

3 a : feeling or showing too much concern about elegance or propriety

ladylike embarrassment at not being the wife of a real doctor
—Lewis Vogler

b : lacking in strength, force, or virility

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Examples of ladylike in a Sentence

encouraging young women to be more ladylike

Recent Examples of ladylike from the Web

Apparently, something demure, ladylike and delicate–with a hint of edge in sheer elements and an off-the-shoulder neckline.

— carrie goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Everything You Need to Know About Anastasia Steele's Wedding Gown in Fifty Shades Freed," 6 Feb. 2018
In shades of brown, navy, and cream leather, faux croc, and silk, the bags certainly nod to the ’90s and early ’00s, but true fashion obsessives will recognize a ’40s influence in the ladylike silhouettes.

— emily farra, Vogue, "Your Favorite Shoe Brand Is Launching Handbags—Including a ’90s Baguette Named After a Friends Character," 27 Apr. 2018
But even with their chic, punk-meets-ladylike fierceness, the House of Givenchy is still best known for its impact on the black dress.

— elizabeth wellington, Philly.com, "Thank you Givenchy for making the little black dress hot," 15 Mar. 2018
Designs that were chic and ladylike were the hallmarks of the house.

— eric wilson, New York Times, "Hubert de Givenchy Dies at 91; Fashion Pillar of Romantic Elegance," 12 Mar. 2018
Though Markle’s ladylike midnight blue ensemble is sold out for the time being, fans can copy the look at home by opting for similarly tailored, richly toned, knee-length outwear.

— Fox News, "Meghan Markle’s J.Crew coat sells out," 9 Mar. 2018
Hendricks excels at balancing an ultra-ladylike softness with a steely toughness, and Good Girls certainly makes the most of that natural aptitude.

— anna silman, The Cut, "Good Girls Is the Ultimate Joan Holloway Revenge Fantasy," 27 Feb. 2018
Her preppy fashion and lifestyle brand has launched a 17-piece collection of pretty dresses, flirty tops and ladylike skirts that are exclusively available at Saks Fifth Avenue throughout February and March.

— kami phillips, PEOPLE.com, "Reese Witherspoon's Draper James Line Just Launched the Prettiest Party Dresses at Saks," 27 Feb. 2018
Her floral motif gowns came with tight bodices, unbuttoned beaded vests, dropped full sleeves and ladylike gloves.

— rhonda richford, The Hollywood Reporter, "London Fashion Week: Emilia Wickstead Tells a Love Story," 20 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ladylike.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ladylike

1534

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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LADYLIKE Defined for English Language Learners

ladylike

adjective

Definition of ladylike for English Language Learners

: polite and quiet in a way that has traditionally been considered suited to a woman

LADYLIKE Defined for Kids

ladylike

adjective la·dy·like \ ˈlā-dē-ˌlīk \

Definition of ladylike for Students

: suitable to a woman or girl who behaves in a polite way

It was not ladylike to yell like that.
—Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie

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