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rude

adjective
\ ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio) \
ruder; rudest

Definition of rude

1a : being in a rough or unfinished state : crude
b : natural, raw rude cotton
c : primitive, undeveloped peasants use rude wooden plows— Jack Raymond
d : simple, elemental
2 : lacking refinement or delicacy:
a : ignorant, unlearned
b : inelegant, uncouth
c : offensive in manner or action : discourteous
d : uncivilized, savage
e : coarse, vulgar
3 : marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced rude workmanship
4 : robust, sturdy in rude health
5 : occurring abruptly and disconcertingly a rude awakening
Other Words from rude Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about rude

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Other Words from rude

rudely adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for rude

rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy. rude behavior rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness. rough manners crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive. a crude joke raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished. turning raw youths into polished performers

Examples of rude in a Sentence

I was shocked by her rude behavior. I can't believe that he was so rude to me. I heard someone make a rude noise.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Investors are habituated to financial fiascos in Argentina but even so the news has come as a rude shock: the price of Argentina’s sovereign bonds traded in Europe tumbled by about 5% the day after the announcement. — The Economist, "Argentina’s beleaguered government imposes capital controls," 2 Sep. 2019 Some were way too upset and rude in showing their hurt, but now is not the time to talk about them. — Khadrice Rollins, SI.com, "Jaguars Long Snapper Offers to Buy Colts Fans' Season Tickets, Donate to Hospital," 26 Aug. 2019 Can a situation like this, in which one person feels compelled to talk for fear of being viewed as rude, really be an organic way to meet a partner? — Sara Macauley, refinery29.com, "Have You Been Daygamed? The New Method Men Are Using To 'Attract Amazing Women'," 22 Aug. 2019 Regardless, props to Schumer for calling out that rude commenter for her flawed way of thinking. — Christina Oehler, Health.com, "Amy Schumer Goes Off on Troll Who Asks How She'll 'Cope' if Her Son Has Autism," 16 Aug. 2019 Sociologist Arline Horschild created the term in 1983 to describe the professional work that requires employees to manage their emotions—when waiters and baristas, for example, are forced to smile in the face of rude customers. — Olivia Goldhill, Quartz, "Feminist capitalism has quietly infiltrated our personal lives," 11 Aug. 2019 Some members of the group called the tradition tacky, annoying or rude to visitors. — Kaitlin Lange, Indianapolis Star, "Seat-saving tradition for CarmelFest Parade is getting out of hand, official says. Rules may change.," 5 July 2019 After a texting scandal revealed rude behavior by progressive Democrats on Cincinnati City Council, McFarlin showed up to in the front row of a city council meeting to send a message: disrespectful conduct won't be tolerated. — Scott Wartman, Cincinnati.com, "Gwen McFarlin may be the biggest name in Greater Cincinnati politics you haven't heard of.," 2 July 2019 Both Zellweger and Garland have the gift and peril of being the kind of vulnerable, sensitive star who seems so close to earth that strangers feel comfortable pelting them with rude questions. — Amy Nicholson, Town & Country, "What/If Made Renée Zellweger "Uncomfortable" And She Loved It," 24 May 2019

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

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First Known Use of rude

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for rude

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble

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More Definitions for rude

rude

adjective
How to pronounce rude (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of rude

: not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people : not polite
: relating to sex or other body functions in a way that offends others
: happening suddenly in usually an unpleasant or shocking way

See the full definition for rude in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rude

adjective
\ ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio) \
ruder; rudest

Kids Definition of rude

1 : impolite rude remarks
2 : not refined or cultured
3 : roughly made a rude shelter

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