demure

American  

[dih-myoor] / dɪˈmjʊər /

adjective

demurer, demurest

1. characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.

   Synonyms:

   retiring

   Antonyms:

   indecorous

2. affectedly or coyly decorous, sober, or sedate.

   Antonyms:

   indecorous

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demure British  

/ dɪˈmjʊə /

adjective

1. sedate; decorous; reserved

2. affectedly modest or prim; coy

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Synonym Usage

See modest.

Other Word Forms

• demureness
  noun
• undemureness
  noun
• undemure
  adjective
• demurely
  adverb
• undemurely
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of demure

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English dem(e)ur(e) “well-mannered, grave,” from Anglo-French demuré, past participle of demurer “to demur”; perhaps influenced by Old French mur, mëur “grave, mature” (from Latin matūrus ); see origin at demur

Explanation

A demure person can be described as polite and a little shy. A demure outfit is a modest one — think high neckline and low hem. Demure is a word you don't hear a lot these days, but it used to be a huge compliment for a woman or a girl, for them to be considered shy and quiet and modest. The word demure comes from an French term that means "sober, grave, or serious."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

demure demurer demurest

Ms. Winger struggles to make these demure, repressive qualities come across naturally—and frankly fails.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

Others opt for the registry office and a demure lunch with close friends, and prefer to save their money for a house.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 25, 2025

One of them was very demure and mindful - think soft pastels, pussy bow blouses and pleats - as demonstrated by Chanel and Balenciaga.

From BBC ● Dec. 31, 2024

In “The Penguin” Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone marks her transition from the dutiful mobster’s demure daughter to a siren afire with vengeance.

From Salon ● Dec. 27, 2024

Her curved, flesh-ripping beak looks sweet and demure when you see her head on.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Of course, if they be still exuberant, they may show it, and stamp their lustiest; still a demurer step will usually suggest itself as the more appropriate.

From The Morris Book, Part 1 A History of Morris Dancing, With a Description of Eleven Dances as Performed by the Morris-Men of England by Cecil J. Sharp

Cicely, six months younger, was much more quiet and steady on the surface, though her twinkling brown eyes belied her demurer manners, and proclaimed her ready for anything in the shape of fun.

From The Manor House School by Arthur A. Dixon

She bowed to him, and passed on in her grave and stately manner: more calmly observant, demurer eyes were not in the Park.

From Sunrise by William Black

And you have seen a cat conscious of approaching cream: such was Miss Haythorn; she became demurer and demurer.

From Stories by English Authors: England by Thomas Hardy

"Hand the stick to Mr. Marston Greyle, Mr. Copplestone," said Audrey in her demurest manner.

From Scarhaven Keep by J. S. (Joseph Smith) Fletcher

Finding these two in contact, the Doctors interchanged demurest glances.

From Hard Cash by Charles Reade

"And backward yode, as bargemen wont to fare Bending their force contrary to their face Like that ungracious crew which faines demurest grace."

From Great Ralegh by Hugh de Selincourt

But his weapon is double-edged, and he had not much more love for That ungracious crew which feigns demurest grace.

From Spenser by R. W. (Richard William) Church

"Ah, I thank you," cried the Brown Fairy, dropping the demurest of curtsies; "I cried for my ball."

From A Blot on the Scutcheon by Mabel Winifred Knowles

Related Words

• prim
• reticent
• timid
• unassuming