ladylike

adjective

la·​dy·​like ˈlā-dē-ˌlīk How to pronounce ladylike (audio)
1
: of a kind traditionally considered suitable to or attractive for a woman
Mrs. Douglas arrived for the March 1st meeting at park headquarters wearing her white spring coat, her ladylike Panama hat, and a single strand of white beads.Dava Sobel
Yves Saint Laurent gives a perfectly proper, ladylike suit a powerful punch by cutting it in python.The New York Times Magazine
Charlotte, who is known to be a tomboy, topped off her ladylike look with a matching bow in her hair.Aurora Bosotti
2
: having or showing the appearance or good manners traditionally associated with aristocratic women
her polite, ladylike mother
ladylike elegance
… it didn't seem quite ladylike to say something like that, straight out.Katherine Paterson
Jill was putting ladylike bites of turnip in her mouth and washing them down with long, quiet sips of water.Molly Tripp
3
: feeling or showing too much concern about elegance or propriety
This plot turns on the sisters' ladylike reluctance to examine the question of their kittens' sex too directly …June Howard
4
: having qualities traditionally associated with a woman : womanly
And Vincent hired a voice coach to teach her to talk like a guy … . Ned also came with a dusting of fake stubble for Vincent's smooth, pink, ladylike cheeks …Lev Grossman
Each step he takes, delicate, cautious, even ladylike, the step, perhaps, of a man whose eyesight is not altogether reliable …Robert Kantwell

Examples of ladylike in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Make the Coat the Outfit This simple yet stylish outfit looks extra ladylike thanks to a few choice details: a slim-fit coat in navy blue, a purse cinching the waist, and a pair of yellow shoes packed with embellishments. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025 Bows, Ruffles, and Lace Galore The Rococo style is known for being ladylike and delicate, so don’t be afraid to incorporate plenty of bows, ruffles, and lace in your party decor. Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2025 Designs included linen bouclé pieces and a bold red ladylike look in linen and cashmere that paired a cropped jacket with a knee-length skirt, or crochet separates that included fibers of Abaca, a material derived from banana leaf. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025 Styling-wise, pair one of these pieces with Massimo Dutti’s ladylike pleated midiskirt, a pair of python-effect kitten heels from Reformation, and Allude’s lightweight, yet luxurious cashmere sweater. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ladylike 

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ladylike was in 1534

Dictionary Entries Near ladylike

Cite this Entry

“Ladylike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladylike. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

ladylike

adjective
la·​dy·​like ˈlād-ē-ˌlīk How to pronounce ladylike (audio)
1
: resembling a lady in appearance or manners
2
: suitable to a lady
ladylike behavior

More from Merriam-Webster on ladylike

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!