Uncouth | Definition of uncouth by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of UNCOUTH

1

a archaic : not known or not familiar to one : seldom experienced : uncommon, rare

b obsolete : mysterious, uncanny

2

a : strange or clumsy in shape or appearance : outlandish

b : lacking in polish and grace : rugged <uncouth verse>

c : awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior : rude

— un·couth·ly adverb

— un·couth·ness noun

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Origin of UNCOUTH

Middle English, from Old English uncūth, from un- + cūth familiar, known; akin to Old High German kund known, Old English can know — more at can

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to UNCOUTH

Synonyms: boorish, churlish, classless, cloddish, loutish, clownish

Antonyms: civilized, cultivated, cultured, genteel, polished, refined, smooth, tasteful, ultrarefined, well-bred

Rhymes with UNCOUTH

bucktooth, cheek tooth, dogtooth, Duluth, egg tooth, eyetooth, forsooth, half-truth, home truth, houndstooth, in truth, Kossuth, milk tooth, sawtooth, selcouth, sweet tooth, tollbooth, untruth, vermouth

Definition of UNCOUTH for Kids

: impolite in conduct or speech : crude <uncouth manners> <uncouth people>

Word History of UNCOUTH

The word uncouth first meant “unknown” or “strange.” It goes back to Old English uncūth, made up of un-, “not,” and cūth, “known,” which is related to modern English can and know.

Learn More About UNCOUTH

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "uncouth"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "uncouth"

Nglish: Translation of "uncouth" for Spanish speakers

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