rustic

1 of 2

adjective

rus·​tic ˈrə-stik 

variants or less commonly rustical

ˈrə-sti-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or suitable for the country : rural

rustic rolling farmland

2

a

: made of the rough limbs of trees

rustic furniture

b

: finished by rusticating

a rustic joint in masonry

3

a

: characteristic of or resembling country people

… depicted Arcadian landscapes with rustic figures …

—Philippa Lewis and Gillian Darley

This bucolic frame of mind has opened the door for a cuisine with rustic American roots …

—Richard Dunmire and Joan Griffiths

b

: lacking in social graces or polish

4

: appropriate to the country (as in plainness or sturdiness)

heavy rustic boots

rustically

ˈrə-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

rusticity

ˌrə-ˈsti-sə-tē 

noun

rusticity

2 of 2

noun

rus·​tic·​i·​ty ˌrəˈstisətē 

-ətē, 

-i

plural -es

1

: a lack of ease or refinement : awkwardness of manner : gaucherie

any little rusticity of gait or pronunciation … was so quickly and completely lost

—Samuel Butler †1902

2

: gracelessness of language : failure to reveal polish or elegance

had the rusticity of the average freshman theme

3

: a lack of perception or knowledge : ignorance, stupidity

was ashamed of my own rusticity in that distinguished company

4

: the quality or state of being rustic

the rusticity of … country towns

—American Guide Series: Indiana

Synonyms of rustic

Adjective

• uncomfortable
• uneasy
• clumsy
• awkward
• wooden

Examples of rustic in a Sentence

Adjective

The inn has a rustic atmosphere.

rustic yokels whose first impulse was to smirk gawkily at anyone not of their own kind

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The décor is local and rustic, with bathroom products made on site from the aforementioned herbs. —Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 4 June 2026

Jane Greenwood’s costume design is impeccably period; especially fun are the children’s rustic outfits Maria has sewn from old curtains. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026

The restaurant is known for its fresh pastas with light sauces in a rustic but trendy dining room. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

Dinner at the new rustic-style Clover Gordes is a joyous affair, helmed by chef Jean-François Piège, with signature dishes including pizza soufflés and a carbonara of wild squid. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English rustik, from Latin rusticus, from rus open land — more at room

Noun

Middle French rusticité, from Latin rusticus + Middle French -ité -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rustic

1 of 2 adjective

rus·​tic ˈrəs-tik 

: of, relating to, or suitable for the country or country people : rural

rustically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

rusticity

ˌrəs-ˈtis-ət-ē 

noun

rustic

2 of 2 noun

: a person living or raised in the country