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courtly

[kawrt-lee, kohrt-] / ˈkɔrt li, ˈkoʊrt- /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Amir Khusrau, an Indo-Persian poet who documented courtly life during the reign of Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, mentioned two types of naans in his writings - naan-e-tanuk and naan-i-tanuri.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025

That Rococo quartet, completed in 1755, is a survey in the soft opulence of the style, filled with idealized nature, rich fabrics and scenes of courtly romance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025

The courtly gentleman guided women around the floor to big band standards with all the aplomb of teenage boys waltzing at a cotillion dance they’ve been forced to attend by their parents.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2025

Best of all is the lively triple-time finale, which evokes the long history of courtly hunting music, with an alluring short section in minor key.

From New York Times ● May 9, 2024

Axe, as everyone called him, had a soft voice, a courtly manner, and a brushy mustache that ran the length of his top lip.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

In some ways, Gucci Mane is a holdover from this older, meaner era, which is one reason that a younger, courtlier peer like Drake is so eager to get his blessing.

From The New Yorker ● Aug. 1, 2016

Mr. Kuhn favors a courtlier style, crisp and precise.

From New York Times ● May 15, 2016

His competitive instincts could overwhelm his gentler, courtlier ones.

From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2016

In comportment and style, Byrd often seemed a Senate throwback to a courtlier 19th century.

From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2010

The peasant has vanished or else gapes through the open window while his master goes through the paces of a courtlier dance.

From Chopin : the Man and His Music by James Huneker

But Mr. Lovano gave it his courtliest treatment, caressing the wistful melody with a whispery, feathery grace.

From New York Times ● Jul. 26, 2013

Gottfried von Cramm, who put Budge out in the semi-finals that year, greeted the Queen with the courtliest bow of the dav.

From Time Magazine Archive

He is the most reticent of directors -- where the book ogles, the film discreetly observes -- and, here, the courtliest of stars.

From Time Magazine Archive

"I wish I could think that this pleasure was mutual," said Sir John with his courtliest smile, as he bowed over Millicent's hand.

From With Edged Tools by Henry Seton Merriman

Thereupon the Ojibway arose and spoke in his courtliest manner.

From Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains by Charles Alexander Eastman




Vocabulary lists containing courtly


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