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If you’re looking for a polite topic of conversation to raise at your next gathering of word lovers, we’ve got just the ticket. The French word étiquette means “ticket”; its direct French ancestor also referred to a label attached to something for description or identification. Spaniards of the 16th-century adopted the French word (altering it to etiqueta), and used it to refer to the written protocols describing the behavior demanded of those who appeared at court. Eventually, etiqueta came to be applied to the court ceremonies themselves as well as to the documents which outlined their requirements. Word of this linguistic development got back to the French, who then expanded their word’s meaning to include “proper court behavior” along with its “label” sense. By the middle of the 18th century English speakers had taken on etiquette as their own, applying it to the rules that indicate the proper and polite way to behave, whether in the presence or royalty or not.
Examples of etiquette in a Sentence
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
According to Newsweek's guide to plane etiquette, remaining calm, accommodating and patient can greatly enhance the travel experience for all involved.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Below, writers Emma Specter and Hannah Jackson discuss their opposing points of view on pale wedding-guest dress etiquette.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
There is a longstanding theater etiquette rule that states: There is only one director.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for etiquette
Cite this Entry
“Etiquette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etiquette. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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