: of a kind traditionally considered suitable to or attractive for a woman
Mrs. Douglas arrived for the March 1st meeting at park headquarters wearing her white spring coat, her ladylike Panama hat, and a single strand of white beads. Dava Sobel
Yves Saint Laurent gives a perfectly proper, ladylike suit a powerful punch by cutting it in python.The New York Times Magazine
Charlotte, who is known to be a tomboy, topped off her ladylike look with a matching bow in her hair. Aurora Bosotti
2
: having or showing the appearance or good manners traditionally associated with aristocratic women
her polite, ladylike mother
ladylike elegance
… it didn't seem quite ladylike to say something like that, straight out. Katherine Paterson
Jill was putting ladylike bites of turnip in her mouth and washing them down with long, quiet sips of water. Molly Tripp
3
: feeling or showing too much concern about elegance or propriety
This plot turns on the sisters' ladylike reluctance to examine the question of their kittens' sex too directly … June Howard
4
: having qualities traditionally associated with a woman : womanly
And Vincent hired a voice coach to teach her to talk like a guy … . Ned also came with a dusting of fake stubble for Vincent's smooth, pink, ladylike cheeks … Lev Grossman
Each step he takes, delicate, cautious, even ladylike, the step, perhaps, of a man whose eyesight is not altogether reliable … Robert Kantwell
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebJisoo was ladylike in a sheer gown, and Jennie went for hot girl vibes in a cutout black crop top and long skirt. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 28 Aug. 2022 These can be dressed up with a ladylike heel and work bag or pared down with an office-appropriate sneaker. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2022 Accessorize with Gianvito Rossi’s perfectly timeless black slingback flats and a ladylike bag from Cuyana. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 13 May 2022 Later, for the L’Oréal Paris anniversary dinner, the 24-year-old actor switched to another ultra-ladylike number. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 20 May 2022 One attendee wore low-slung camo pants with a barely there white tank, accessorized with a ladylike bag and waist beads.Vogue, 18 Apr. 2022 Bella Hadid embraced a ladylike approach, and wore a bright yellow Heaven by Marc Jacobs sweater tied around her shoulders. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2022 There is, of course, also a ladylike appeal to them. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2022 At least the terms would be clear, and perhaps there would be space for interesting aggression from the candidates, instead of poetic tributes to behavior that is meant to be ladylike and not, rebellious and conformist, at the same time.New York Times, 12 Jan. 2022 See More