LADYLIKE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ladylike mean? 

• LADYLIKE (adjective)
  The adjective LADYLIKE has 1 sense:

1. befitting a woman of good breeding

  Familiarity information: LADYLIKE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LADYLIKE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Befitting a woman of good breeding

Context example:

ladylike manners

Similar:

refined ((used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel)

Derivation:

ladylikeness (behavior befitting a lady)

 Context examples 

So mild and ladylike—and with such talents!

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

But someone did pass, and who should it be but Meg, looking particularly ladylike in her state and festival suit, for she had been making calls.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

No, winking isn't ladylike.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Just be calm, cool, and quiet, that's safe and ladylike, and you can easily do it for fifteen minutes, said Amy, as they approached the first place, having borrowed the white parasol and been inspected by Meg, with a baby on each arm.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

It's very trying, but we never can make her commy la fo, added Amy, who sat making some new frills for herself, with her curls tied up in a very becoming way, two agreeable things that made her feel unusually elegant and ladylike.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)