etiquette

American  

[et-i-kit, -ket] / ˈɛt ɪ kɪt, -ˌkɛt /

noun

1. conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.

2. a prescribed or accepted code of usage in matters of ceremony, as at a court or in official or other formal observances.

3. the code of ethical behavior regarding professional practice or action among the members of a profession in their dealings with each other.

   medical etiquette.

---

etiquette British  

/ ˈɛtɪˌkɛt, ˌɛtɪˈkɛt /

noun

1. the customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life

2. a conventional but unwritten code of practice followed by members of any of certain professions or groups

   medical etiquette

---

Related Words

Etiquette, decorum, propriety imply observance of the formal requirements governing behavior in polite society. Etiquette refers to conventional forms and usages: the rules of etiquette. Decorum suggests dignity and a sense of what is becoming or appropriate for a person of good breeding: a fine sense of decorum. Propriety (usually plural) implies established conventions of morals and good taste: She never fails to observe the proprieties.

Etymology

Origin of etiquette

First recorded in 1730–40; from French étiquette, Middle French estiquette “ticket, label, memorandum,” derivative of estiqu(i)er “to attach, stick” from Germanic. See stick ², -ette

Explanation

Etiquette is a code of polite conduct. If you practice proper etiquette, you are less likely to offend or annoy people — and you may even charm them. Many people think etiquette is about table manners in fancy restaurants, but quite simply, it is expected behavior that shows respect, meant to make everyone feel comfortable. For example, an etiquette book will tell you to bring a little gift when you are a dinner guest in someone's home, especially if it is your first visit — you know what is expected of you, and your gift shows respect and gratitude.

Example Sentences

Etiquette expert Nick Leighton says it’s a hard question to answer for a number of reasons.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Etiquette expert John-Paul Stuthridge says it's prudent to check restaurant websites to see whether a service charge is included "given the prevalence of 'surprise' service charges".

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2024

Etiquette experts say — and I agree with them — you’ll gain nothing by approaching a free-range parent angrily.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

“We all have value,” said Lisa Richey, founder of the American Academy of Etiquette, who is based in Raleigh, N.C.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2024

Mamita is stirring the soup with a long wooden spoon, and I’m thinking what Modem Etiquette would say about this meal.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau