ruder; rudest
1
a
: being in a rough or unfinished state : crude
b
: natural, raw
rude cotton
c
: primitive, undeveloped
peasants use rude wooden plowsJack Raymond
2
: lacking refinement or delicacy:
c
: offensive in manner or action : discourteous
e
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
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web Stuffed with rude delights, spry wit, radical fantasy and breathtaking design elements, the movie is a feast. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2023 But for Americans who have become accustomed to feeling that the nation has moved beyond Covid, the current wave could be a rude reminder that the emerging New Normal is not a world without the virus. Julie Bosman, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2023 Having strong opinions is not rude, which is a good thing for you, your aunt and uncle, your dog (as evidenced by his jumping on visitors), your dog’s trainer and Miss Manners herself. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2023 The Globe ran a story a couple years ago about Cape customers being rude — ruder than ever. Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Aug. 2023 The My Big Fat Fabulous Life star posted a series of videos on Instagram in response to some of the rude messages she’s received about her body, fitness and diet. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2023 In terms of these TikTok videos, dusty sons don't put the toilet seat down (rude, but not life-changing) and certainly don't dust. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 17 Aug. 2023 Having strong opinions is not rude, which is a good thing for you, your aunt and uncle, your dog (as evidenced by his jumping on visitors), your dog’s trainer, and Miss Manners herself. Judith Martin, oregonlive, 16 Aug. 2023 Lurking in the left lane, stealing a parking spot, not letting someone merge, not using a turn signal... all of these would be considered rude driving. Andy Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rude was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rude

Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rude. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

rude

adjective
ruder; rudest
1
2
: not refined or cultured
3
: being sudden and forceful
a rude awakening
4
: being in a rough or unfinished state : roughly made
rudely adverb
rudeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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