adjective
- having the characteristics of a strict, prim, or pedantic schoolteacher; overly proper or moralistic in manner
Usage: often disapproving
Examples
- Her schoolmarmish tone made the children feel uncomfortable.
- He gave a schoolmarmish lecture about proper table manners.
- The librarian’s schoolmarmish attitude discouraged casual conversation.
- She had a schoolmarmish way of correcting everyone’s grammar.
- His schoolmarmish insistence on following every rule annoyed his coworkers.
- The principal’s schoolmarmish demeanor reminded parents of their own strict teachers.