dirty word

/ˌdʌrdi ˈwʌrd/
/ˈdʌti wəd/
IPA guide

Other forms: dirty words

Definitions of dirty word
  1. noun
    an offensive or indecent word or phrase
    synonyms: filth, obscenity, smut, vulgarism
    see moresee less
    types:
    bawdry, bawdy
    lewd or obscene talk or writing
    scatology
    a preoccupation with obscenity (especially that dealing with excrement or excretory functions)
    type of:
    profanity
    vulgar or irreverent speech or action
  2. noun
    a word that is considered to be unmentionable
    “`failure' is a dirty word to him”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    word
    a unit of language that native speakers can identify
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘dirty word'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family