de rigueur

American  

[duh ri-gur, duh ree-gœr] / də rɪˈgɜr, də riˈgœr /

adjective

1. strictly required, as by etiquette, usage, or fashion.

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de rigueur British  

/ də riɡœr, də rɪˈɡɜː /

adjective

1. required by etiquette or fashion

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de rigueur Cultural  

1. A French term meaning necessary according to convention: “Formal dress is de rigueur at weddings.”

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Etymology

Origin of de rigueur

First recorded in 1825–35; from French: “of rigor”; de ( def. ), rigor ( def. )

Example Sentences

Before psychotherapy was de rigueur, the 1970s hit “The Bob Newhart Show” was the first comedy series whose lead character was a shrink.

From Los Angeles Times

Taking photos of people in public and posting them online has become de rigueur behavior.

From Salon

Supporting Mamdani became stylish – almost de rigueur – among certain segments of affluent New York.

From Salon

After every Emmys, it’s de rigueur to write about shows that were “snubbed.”

From Los Angeles Times

The practice caught on, and now it’s nearly de rigueur for politicians to wear it on their attire.

From Salon

Related Words

• mandatory
• necessary
• obligatory
• required