decorum
Americannoun
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dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
- Synonyms:
- dignity, politeness
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the quality or state of being decorous, or exhibiting such dignified propriety; orderliness; regularity.
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Usually decorums an observance or requirement of polite society.
noun
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propriety, esp in behaviour or conduct
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a requirement of correct behaviour in polite society
Related Words
See etiquette.
Etymology
Origin of decorum
First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin decōrum, noun use of neuter of decōrus decorous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Back then, he knew he had to eke out a mealy-mouthed apology for the sake of decorum.
From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026
Even if tiny mics are a trend that’s crossed over from influencer culture, they’ve become yet another obnoxious staple of the film industry that favors a viewer’s pleasure over decorum.
From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026
Japan's emperor is generally treated with hushed reverence, but one man stripped away all decorum -- quite literally -- during a New Year's event on Friday, local media reported.
From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026
She calls him Tim, not Dad — partially out of decorum in a world where she is lobbying him and his colleagues on a regular basis.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025
When she took off her coat, Mrs. Attison and her sixth sense of decorum caught sight of Aileen’s dress from across the room.
From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
