like, characteristic of, or suitable for a lady; refined; well-bred
A little girl behaving in a very ladylike manner.
The definition of ladylike is behavior considered appropriate for a well-mannered female.
Crossing your legs gently at the ankles in a proper feminine way is an example of behavior that would be described as ladylike.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2018 by LoveToKnow Corp
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"ladylike." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 21 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike>.
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ladylike. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21st, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike
ladylike
Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fifth Edition Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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MLA Style
"ladylike." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 21 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike>.
APA Style
ladylike. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21st, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike
ladylike
adjective
- Characteristic of a well-mannered woman or girl who adheres to traditional norms of propriety and femininity: “As soon as boys can walk they are encouraged to do sports, while rambunctious girls are urged to be more ladylike” ( Steve Olson )
- Appropriate to such a woman or girl, as in being restrained or delicate: “She ate a small, ladylike forkful of her mashed potatoes” ( Martha Southgate )
Related Forms:
- la′dy·like′ness
noun
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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MLA Style
"ladylike." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 21 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike>.
APA Style
ladylike. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21st, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike
Adjective
(comparative more ladylike, superlative most ladylike)
- Of or connected with the appearance or behaviour of a well-mannered woman.
Origin
lady + -like
English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.
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Cite this page
MLA Style
"ladylike." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 21 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike>.
APA Style
ladylike. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21st, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Ladylike
Sentence Examples
- There is a definite art to making sure your tattoo is as ladylike as you are, but picking the right artist won't necessarily ensure you get the feminine look you seek in a tattoo.
- You might opt for a ladylike camisole to bring a sexy twist to your look, or you might take a peek at the handkerchief halter top for a fresh take on warm-weather wear.
- The kiss-lock closure gives it a ladylike edge, while the unique tiered design brings a fresh vibe to an otherwise traditional leather bag.
- The Kate Spade range of white couture wedding shoes is perfect for women who are searching for something timeless, dainty and ladylike.
- To create the ladylike style that was definitive in the 1950's, make sure you have a formal hairstyle paired with your elegant costume.
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WORDS NEAR ladylike IN THE DICTIONARY
- ladylike
- ladykillers
- ladykilling
- ladykin