manners

British  

/ ˈmænəz /

plural noun

1. social conduct

   he has the manners of a pig

2. a socially acceptable way of behaving

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Explanation

Manners are the proper or polite way to behave in public. If you take the chewing gum out of your mouth and stick it behind your ear before a meal, you need to work on your manners. You can also call manners "etiquette." It shows good manners when you hold doors open for other people, say "please" and "thank you," and refrain from burping in public. Manners vary between different cultures: you're displaying good manners if you slurp your noodles in Japan, though it's bad manners in the U.S. And in some Middle Eastern countries, burping after a meal is actually a sign of excellent manners.

Example Sentences

Reflecting on filming the series, Locatelli told the Table Manners podcast: "I think I was a bad cop. I'm strict. Strict about cleanliness and organisation. Those little skills that you teach them slowly."

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

A strong international lineup includes director Molly Manners debut feature "Extra Geography" from the UK and queer genre film "Leviticus" from Australia.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

"I can go to the supermarket in sportswear, my hair in disarray, and nobody cares," she told the podcast Table and Manners in 2023.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

Many of El Cine’s events take place at Heavy Manners Library, an arts space in Echo Park, and the Philosophical Research Society, a multicultural arts nonprofit in Los Feliz.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2025

Everyone has to learn Your Manners, I explain.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine