rude

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adjective \ˈrüd\

Definition of rude

ruder

;

rudest

1a : being in a rough or unfinished state : crudeb : natural, raw rude cottonc : primitive, undeveloped peasants use rude wooden plows — Jack Raymondd : simple, elemental
2 : lacking refinement or delicacy:a : ignorant, unlearnedb : inelegant, uncouthc : offensive in manner or action : discourteousd : uncivilized, savagee : coarse, vulgar
3 : marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced rude workmanship
4 : robust, sturdy in rude health
5 : occurring abruptly and disconcertingly a rude awakening

rudely

adverb

See rude defined for English-language learners

See rude defined for kids

Examples of rude in a Sentence

I was shocked by her rude behavior.
I can't believe that he was so rude to me.
I heard someone make a rude noise.

Recent Examples of rude from the Web

Dear Amy: Why do people have to be so rude to old people?

— amy dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Hikers encounter trail of rudeness," 15 July 2017
Zendaya plays Michelle, a brooding genius with a penchant for math, protesting, and rude drawings.

— vanityfair.com, "Spider-Man: Homecoming," 7 July 2017
Kevin Shackelford got a rude welcome to the majors.

— zach buchanan, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Reds recap: Another short start for Homer Bailey in loss to Milwaukee Brewers," 29 June 2017
Someone who is rude, conceited, lacks hygiene and is unwholesome.

— david perloff, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Blind Date: Fly boys take to the air," 28 June 2017
Charley may be in for a rude awakening once Davis realizes she’s forged his name to get her investment paperwork approved.

— adrienne green, The Atlantic, "Queen Sugar Deepens Its Complex Family Portrait," 24 June 2017
Some followers thought this was rude to the Jenner sisters, and Diddy offered an apology on Instagram after the fact.

— sarah gidick, The Hollywood Reporter, "#SocialGathering: Kirsten Dunst Mom's Grocery Store Moment; Diddy Throws Kendall Jenner Shade (Again)," 23 June 2017
Back to the feud: Josh publicly responded, telling Us Weekly that Drake never even texted him back to congratulate him on his engagement in the first place, which, rude.

— jessica roy, The Cut, "This Week in Drama: Drake vs. Josh, Spicer Fat-Shamed, and the Great CIA Snack Scandal," 23 June 2017
Rude van Nistelrooy (@Lewisgd) June 13, 2017 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Should the Golden State Warriors skip their White House visit?," 15 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of rude

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of rude

rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy. rude behavior rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness. rough manners crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive. a crude joke raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished. turning raw youths into polished performers

RUDE Defined for English Language Learners

rude

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adjective

Definition of rude for English Language Learners

: not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people : not polite
: relating to sex or other body functions in a way that offends others
: happening suddenly in usually an unpleasant or shocking way