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couth

adjective
\ ˈküth How to pronounce couth (audio) \

Definition of couth

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: sophisticated, polished Although they disagreed with the speaker, they were couth enough to listen to him respectfully.

couth

noun

Definition of couth (Entry 2 of 2)

: polish, refinement I expected kindness and gentility … but there is such a thing as too much couth.— S. J. Perelman
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about couth

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Examples of couth in a Sentence

Adjective

 he's remarkably couth for someone who grew up in a small town with limited cultural opportunities

Noun

 their future son-in-law's lack of couth was of some concern to this patrician couple

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Even some of Durant’s Warriors’ teammates manifested their artsiness in less-than-couth ways. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, "Kurtenbach: The unfair, unsavory truth of Kevin Durant’s injury," 11 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'couth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of couth

Adjective

1896, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1947, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for couth

Adjective and Noun

back-formation from uncouth

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More from Merriam-Webster on couth

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with couth

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for couth

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