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

See Examples For:

manners

This might explain how the svelte Mr. Wainwright gets away with playing Georges Simenon’s famously portly sleuth, but it also says something about her devotion, and his lack of manners.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

Walker blamed the erosion of our phone manners partly on social media, which creates the sense that we must be “on” at all times, surroundings be damned.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

"Good manners is really important in business, especially for longevity," he reflects.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

For players, the distinction between atmosphere and interference can be more than a matter of manners.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026

“O, his manners! won’t his manners do then?” asked Biddy, plucking a black-currant leaf.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

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