de rigueur

American  

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

adjective

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

---

de rigueur British  

/ də riɡœr, də rɪˈɡɜː /

adjective

1. required by etiquette or fashion

---

de rigueur Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of de rigueur

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

de rigueur

Beshear’s newly published book, which is de rigueur for potential candidates seeking to raise their political profile and lay out a vision, is also stoking talk of 2028.

From Salon ● Sep. 30, 2026

Standing ovations are almost de rigueur in formal Washington, but I don’t think I ever heard one of such prolonged intensity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

She appears free of the extreme cosmetic interventions that have become de rigueur for her contemporaries—and, in the trickle-down sense, mine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 17, 2026

At the end of “Missa Solemnis,” the reaction was a respectful standing ovation, unlike the de rigueur rapturous reception he always earns with Beethoven.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026

Though self-aggrandizement was de rigueur among the generalissimos of the time, he remained ever cautious.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• mandatory
• necessary
• obligatory
• required

---