couth

UK: /kuːθ/ US: (ko̅o̅th)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

couth¹  (ko̅o̅th), [Facetious.]
adj. 

1. Slang Terms showing or having good manners or sophistication;
   smooth:
   Sending her flowers would be a very couth thing to do.

n. 

2. good manners;
   refinement:
   to be lacking in couth.

• back formation from uncouth 1895–1900

couth²  (ko̅o̅th), 

1. adj. Archaic. known or acquainted with.

• Middle English, Old English cūth past participle of cunnan to know (see can², could) bef. 1000