ladylike
adjective
la·dy·like
ˈlā-dē-ˌlīk 
1
: of a kind traditionally considered suitable to or attractive for a woman
Mrs. Douglas arrived for the March 1st meeting at park headquarters wearing her white spring coat, her ladylike Panama hat, and a single strand of white beads.—
Dava Sobel
Dava SobelYves Saint Laurent gives a perfectly proper, ladylike suit a powerful punch by cutting it in python.—The New York Times Magazine
The New York Times MagazineCharlotte, who is known to be a tomboy, topped off her ladylike look with a matching bow in her hair.—Aurora Bosotti
Aurora Bosotti2
: having or showing the appearance or good manners traditionally associated with aristocratic women
her polite, ladylike mother
ladylike elegance
… it didn't seem quite ladylike to say something like that, straight out.—Katherine Paterson
Katherine PatersonJill was putting ladylike bites of turnip in her mouth and washing them down with long, quiet sips of water.—Molly Tripp
Molly Tripp3
: feeling or showing too much concern about elegance or propriety
This plot turns on the sisters' ladylike reluctance to examine the question of their kittens' sex too directly …—June Howard
June Howard4
: having qualities traditionally associated with a woman : womanly
And Vincent hired a voice coach to teach her to talk like a guy … . Ned also came with a dusting of fake stubble for Vincent's smooth, pink, ladylike cheeks …—Lev Grossman
Lev GrossmanEach step he takes, delicate, cautious, even ladylike, the step, perhaps, of a man whose eyesight is not altogether reliable …—Robert Kantwell
Robert KantwellExamples of ladylike in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bow Strap midi dress: $139 (Nordstrom) This Petal & Pup Floret midi dress at Nordstrom offers a modern take on boho fashion with its subtle floral design, cute ladylike details and flattering cut.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Polka dots and other playful prints abound, with a dotted ladylike shift dresses with Miu Miu accessories, summer halters via Reformation once again, and a flirty Alessandra Rich mini-dress.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 June 2025
Just weeks after she was spotted in Cannes wearing dainty lace and summery Chanel, Emma Watson is trading in her ladylike fashions for a tomboyish look.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 6 June 2025
Always angling to be the good daughter, the obedient one, the ladylike one, the prettier one.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 May 2025
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Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Polka dots and other playful prints abound, with a dotted ladylike shift dresses with Miu Miu accessories, summer halters via Reformation once again, and a flirty Alessandra Rich mini-dress.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 June 2025
Just weeks after she was spotted in Cannes wearing dainty lace and summery Chanel, Emma Watson is trading in her ladylike fashions for a tomboyish look.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 6 June 2025
Always angling to be the good daughter, the obedient one, the ladylike one, the prettier one.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ladylike
Cite this Entry
“Ladylike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladylike. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ladylike
adjective
la·dy·like
ˈlād-ē-ˌlīk
1
: resembling a lady in appearance or manners
2
: suitable to a lady
ladylike behavior
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