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

It’s an oasis for arts, tasteful wealth, and Southern manners in one of the reddest parts of the country.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Cedric fares much better, giving a vibrant, darkly funny performance as Seth, who considers himself a stern watcher over the manners and mores of his tenants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

The Times followed up with a report on Hovater’s fondness for “Seinfeld,” his wedding registry at Target, four cats and Midwestern manners that would, as reporter Richard Fausset wrote, “please anyone’s mother.”

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

"I had girlish manners, a girlish voice," he would later say.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

His manners were really quite excellent, thanks to his governess’s careful training.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood