decorum

noun

de·​co·​rum di-ˈkȯr-əm How to pronounce decorum (audio)
1
: literary and dramatic propriety : fitness
according to strict neoclassic decorum only the aristocracy had the right to appear in tragedyIrving Babbitt
2
: propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
strict in her notions of decorumJane Austen
3
: orderliness
the organization's decorum has rarely been shakenW. F. Longgood
4
decorums plural : the conventions of polite behavior
the established sobrieties and decorums of English lifeH. G. Wells

Examples of decorum in a Sentence

He has no sense of decorum. high standards of decorum are usually required when attending the opera
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.
The Gurnee Village Board on Monday adopted guidelines and decorum standards for anyone speaking at public meetings. Erin Yarnall, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025 In the days following the joint address, Republicans have slammed Democrats for being disrespectful and breaking decorum — while claiming the party refused to acknowledge Trump’s accomplishments since returning to office. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025 As that pattern has played out in Aurora over the last year, the City Council has struggled at times to maintain decorum inside — and occasionally outside — its chamber. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 12 May 2025 With the shocking exception of the attack on Mr. Rushdie, a certain sense of decorum is still observed at even the most contentious lectures. Christopher Maag, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decorum

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of decorus — see decorous

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decorum was in 1568

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Cite this Entry

“Decorum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorum. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

decorum

noun
de·​co·​rum di-ˈkōr-əm How to pronounce decorum (audio)
-ˈkȯr-
1
: agreement with accepted standards of conduct : proper behavior
social decorum
2
: the state or condition of being calm, orderly, and well-regulated
the decorum of the meeting

More from Merriam-Webster on decorum

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