decorum
Americannoun
-
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
- Synonyms:
- dignity, politeness
-
the quality or state of being decorous, or exhibiting such dignified propriety; orderliness; regularity.
-
Usually decorums an observance or requirement of polite society.
noun
-
propriety, esp in behaviour or conduct
-
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
Explanation
Decorum is proper and polite behavior. If you let out a big belch at a fancy dinner party, you're not showing much decorum. This noun is from Latin decōrus "proper, becoming, handsome," from décor "beauty, grace," which is also the source of English décor. The corresponding adjective is decorous, meaning "well-behaved in a particular situation." Both decorum and decorous are often used to describe behavior in a classroom or courtroom.
Vocabulary lists containing decorum
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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.
Live tennis and live golf offer details that can’t be captured on television, but there are rules of decorum and big potential for monotony.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026
"One could consider this the contemporary version of newspaper political cartoons, but there is a notable lack of decorum when it comes through official government communication channels."
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
Back then, he knew he had to eke out a mealy-mouthed apology for the sake of decorum.
From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026
Perhaps like never before the authorities need to consider fan behaviour at major events to ensure the Royal and Ancient game continues to be played with the decorum it deserves.
From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026
“And you, E’lir Kvothe, will comport yourself with more decorum in the future.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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.
