rude

adjective \ ˈrüd \

|Updated on: 27 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: rude in a Sentence

Definition of rude

ruder; rudest

1 a : being in a rough or unfinished state : crude

b : natural, raw

rude cotton

c : primitive, undeveloped

peasants use rude wooden plows
—Jack Raymond

d : simple, elemental

2 : lacking refinement or delicacy:

a : ignorant, unlearned

b : inelegant, uncouth

c : offensive in manner or action : discourteous

d : uncivilized, savage

e : 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

Unfortunately, the rude commenter is not the only one who thinks this terrible way.

— devon abelman, Allure, "Model Salem Mitchell Is Sick of Black Women's Hairstyles Being Labeled "Ghetto"," 13 July 2018
Unemployment rarely remains low for long without the rude interruption of a recession.

— ben leubsdorf, WSJ, "Economists Think U.S. Unemployment Is Headed to a 50-Year Low," 12 July 2018
On top of all that, seats are getting smaller and closer, causing tempers to get shorter as crying babies, seat-kicking kids or rude recliners steal some of the teeny air space that’s yours.

— pat lenhoff, chicagotribune.com, "Column: The magic and horror of air travel," 12 July 2018
Who is to say this woman wasn't simply politely entertaining the man next to her for fear of being rude?

— taylor lorenz, The Atlantic, "Stop Live-Tweeting Strangers Flirting," 9 July 2018
Winning is fun, but that seemed awfully rude to the IKEA staff who had to clean up the mess.

— andrew joseph, For The Win, "England fans invaded a London IKEA after World Cup win against Sweden," 8 July 2018
The contemporary handwringing over rude Americans being rude some more is almost laughable.

— SFChronicle.com, "A long tradition: Americans behaving badly," 5 July 2018
Donna, an artist who also substitute teaches at Westfield Washington and Carmel Clay schools, spends 10 to 15 hours a week answering emails alone, even the occasional rude ones.

— domenica bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, "3 Hamilton County friends are behind a fan site for 'Shape of Water' director del Toro," 21 June 2018
To get the look, opt for a fire-engine red Alaïa cardigan that hits just below the lower rib for some rude-chic appeal or a Balenciaga newspaper-print piece fastened by one or two buttons.

— alexandra gurvitch, Vogue, "Yes, Cardigans Can Be Sexy," 13 June 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

rude Synonyms

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

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