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

Here was a standard-bearer for the novel of manners, which Howells’s friend Henry James was even then pushing into deeper psychological territory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

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

When it comes to manners, Debrett's - a leading UK authority on etiquette - lists polite behaviours for the cinema, including to:

From BBC • Apr. 24, 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

“What do you know about his eyes and his manners? You never spoke to him, hardly,” cried Jo, who was not sentimental.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott