etiquette

American  

[et-i-kit, -ket] / ˈɛt ɪ kɪt, -ˌkɛt /

noun

1. conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.

2. a prescribed or accepted code of usage in matters of ceremony, as at a court or in official or other formal observances.

3. the code of ethical behavior regarding professional practice or action among the members of a profession in their dealings with each other.

   medical etiquette.

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etiquette British  

/ ˈɛtɪˌkɛt, ˌɛtɪˈkɛt /

noun

1. the customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life

2. a conventional but unwritten code of practice followed by members of any of certain professions or groups

   medical etiquette

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Synonym Usage

Etiquette, decorum, propriety imply observance of the formal requirements governing behavior in polite society. Etiquette refers to conventional forms and usages: the rules of etiquette. Decorum suggests dignity and a sense of what is becoming or appropriate for a person of good breeding: a fine sense of decorum. Propriety (usually plural) implies established conventions of morals and good taste: She never fails to observe the proprieties.

Etymology

Origin of etiquette

First recorded in 1730–40; from French étiquette, Middle French estiquette “ticket, label, memorandum,” derivative of estiqu(i)er “to attach, stick” from Germanic. See stick ², -ette

Explanation

Etiquette is a code of polite conduct. If you practice proper etiquette, you are less likely to offend or annoy people — and you may even charm them. Many people think etiquette is about table manners in fancy restaurants, but quite simply, it is expected behavior that shows respect, meant to make everyone feel comfortable. For example, an etiquette book will tell you to bring a little gift when you are a dinner guest in someone's home, especially if it is your first visit — you know what is expected of you, and your gift shows respect and gratitude.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

etiquette

With many parents strapped for cash and heading into the holidays, it's an extra expense to budget for and an awkward etiquette to negotiate.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

The fact that the hospital was approaching patients without the knowledge of doctors shows a clear breach of etiquette, at best, and ethics, at worst.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026

It’s no wonder that theater etiquette has declined when so many people are turning to their obsequious chatbots for validation of their worst impulses.

From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2026

With assistance from a lawyer friend and a CPA family member, the pair addresses topics ranging from backstage etiquette to managing social media to dealing with record labels and publishing companies.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026

The issue concerned a minor matter of etiquette: How should the president be addressed by members of Congress?

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis