ruder; rudest
1
a
: being in a rough or unfinished state : crude
b
: natural, raw
rude cotton
c
: primitive, undeveloped
peasants use rude wooden plowsJack Raymond
2
: lacking refinement or delicacy:
c
: offensive in manner or action : discourteous
e
3
: marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced
rude workmanship
4
: robust, sturdy
in rude health
5
: occurring abruptly and disconcertingly
a rude awakening
rudely adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for rude

rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement.

rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

Examples of rude in a Sentence

I was shocked by her rude behavior. I can't believe that he was so rude to me. I heard someone make a rude noise.
Recent Examples on the Web That sentiment would be echoed in the hateful and rude treatment, Winfrey said, that has followed her throughout her career. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024 Many described the property management team as dismissive, rude and hard to reach. Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 Martial arts action and mild violence, scary images, and some mild rude humor. Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 The Instagram hairstylists that people are taking issue with are known to have stringent policies, high prices, rude customer service, and straight-up scammer tendencies. Annie Blay, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024 Bieber herself apologized after a restaurant hostess called her out for having a rude attitude, seemingly confirming the story, and all that went down on TikTok. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2024 Ghosting is rude—which means ghosting a restaurant is also rude. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 29 Feb. 2024 While there is the possibility for rude customer service in every industry, hair is just way too personal to be letting someone play in your curls while sucking their teeth at you. Annie Blay, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024 What to know about Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Indiana car wash teen's reaction to rude driver over lemonade is viral. Binghui Huang, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rude was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rude

Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rude. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rude

adjective
ruder; rudest
1
2
: not refined or cultured
3
: being sudden and forceful
a rude awakening
4
: being in a rough or unfinished state : roughly made
rudely adverb
rudeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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