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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Proctor sent a series of rude, lewd and unprofessional text messages about Read and the investigation, which led to his firing. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025 There was also a three-homer game for Pablo Sandoval in the 2012 World Series, but it’s considered rude to talk about that in 2025. Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 17 May 2025 Related Articles Miss Manners: The way my wife stabs meat at the table has bothered me for 50 years Miss Manners: Is my husband right that my phone alarm is rude? Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025 Related Articles Miss Manners: The maid of honor’s wedding-day surprise was not a pleasant one Miss Manners: Is my husband right that my phone alarm is rude? Judith Martin, Mercury News, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rude

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

Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rude. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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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