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 Some of my research has shown that using your phone when in the presence of others who are not using devices, particularly older adults, can be perceived as rude, deter communication and induce distress. Shelia R. Cotten, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 But Saturday was a rude welcome for USC, nonetheless, to a conference that’s content to bully the new kid on the block. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 Lizzo’s carousel also included a screenshot of a rude follower commenting on one of her posts. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2024 But one of the most galvanizing instances of highway violence was the shooting of a 6-year-old boy on his way to kindergarten after the boy’s mother made a rude gesture at the man for cutting him off. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rude 

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 5 Oct. 2024.

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

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