rude

adjective

ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio)
ruder; rudest
Synonyms of rude
1
: lacking refinement or delicacy:
a
: offensive in manner or action : discourteous
shocked by their rude behavior
It was rude to keep us waiting.
b
: inelegant, uncouth
had rude table manners
c
: ignorant, unlearned
d
: uncivilized
e
: coarse, vulgar
rude jokes/language
2
a
: being in a rough or unfinished state : crude
b
: natural, raw
rude cotton
c
: primitive, undeveloped
… peasants use rude wooden plows …—Jack Raymond
d
: simple, elemental
… we spread a rude sort of awning …—Herman Melville
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

Synonyms of rude

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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
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.
Others have seized on comments he’s made about the event, such as calling attendees rude or casting town halls as dangerous. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026 While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Bel glows with a kind of rude Californian health and goes once a week for chiropractic adjustments, including of her jaw. — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Only instead of just peacefully apprehending opponents, Doncic’s super-competitive alter ego wants to smash them all under an array of increasingly rude step-back jumpers. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rude

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 5

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

Phrases Containing rude

Rhymes for rude

See All Rhymes for rude

Browse Nearby Words

ruddy well
rude
rude awakening
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rude. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rude

adjective
ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio)
ruder; rudest
1
: impolite
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
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