1
a(1)
: a characteristic or customary mode of acting : custom
stopped to speak, after the manner of the country—
Ellen Glasgow
Ellen Glasgow
(2)
: a mode of procedure or way of acting : fashion
responded in a lively manner
(3)
: method of artistic execution (see execution sense 1) or mode of presentation : style
offers plenty of room for many jazz manners Wilder Hobson
b
manners plural
: social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevalent customs
Victorian manners
c
: characteristic or distinctive bearing (see bearing sense 1), air, or deportment
his poised gracious manner
d
manners plural
(1)
: habitual conduct or deportment : behavior
mind your manners
(2)
: good manners
Someone should teach you some manners.
e
: a distinguished or stylish air
taught to acquire a manner suitable to her station
Phrases
to the manner born
: fitted by or as if by birth or rearing to a particular position, role, or status
was not to the manner born, and did not go to prep schools or to an Ivy League school—Peter Tryell
Peter Tryell
Examples of manner in a Sentence
She has a very forceful manner of speaking.
I objected to the manner in which the decision was made.
Some people have no manners.
Someone should teach you some manners!
He forgot his manners and reached across the table for the salt.
He painted this picture in his early manner.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Treasury Secretary was directed to develop a plan to end the conservatorship, facilitate competition in housing finance, operate the GSEs in a safe and sound manner, and ensure the government is properly compensated for any backing.
—Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
For a group of young men with a lethal stage presence, their private personas are marked by gentleness, always leading with manners, and respect.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
The coroner's office has not yet ruled on that man's cause and manner of death.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Nov. 2024
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford failed to recall defective rearview cameras in a timely manner and also failed to provide accurate and complete recall information as required under federal law.
—Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for manner 
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Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
For a group of young men with a lethal stage presence, their private personas are marked by gentleness, always leading with manners, and respect.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
The coroner's office has not yet ruled on that man's cause and manner of death.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Nov. 2024
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford failed to recall defective rearview cameras in a timely manner and also failed to provide accurate and complete recall information as required under federal law.
—Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for manner
Articles Related to manner
Dictionary Entries Near manner
Cite this Entry
“Manner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manner. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
manner
noun
man·ner
ˈman-ər 
1
a
: sort entry 1 sense 1a, kind
what manner of fools are they
b
: various kinds
—usually used in the phrase all manner of
2
b
: a way of acting or proceeding
worked in a brisk manner
c
: style entry 1 sense 1
painted in the artist's early manner
3
plural
a
: social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevailing customs
b
: characteristic or habitual conduct : behavior
taught the child good manners
especially
: polite behavior
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