decorum
Americannoun
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dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
- Synonyms:
- dignity, politeness
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the quality or state of being decorous, or exhibiting such dignified propriety; orderliness; regularity.
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Usually decorums an observance or requirement of polite society.
noun
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propriety, esp in behaviour or conduct
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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
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.
Back then, he knew he had to eke out a mealy-mouthed apology for the sake of decorum.
From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026
Even if tiny mics are a trend that’s crossed over from influencer culture, they’ve become yet another obnoxious staple of the film industry that favors a viewer’s pleasure over decorum.
From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026
Japan's emperor is generally treated with hushed reverence, but one man stripped away all decorum -- quite literally -- during a New Year's event on Friday, local media reported.
From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026
The commission found that Judge Thornhill had "failed to maintain order and decorum in the courtroom", and recommended he be suspended without pay for six months, then serve for another 18 months before retiring.
From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025
That was from Piggy, shocked out of decorum.
From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
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.
