dirty word
noun
: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference
Examples of dirty word in a Sentence
The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.
They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.
The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the larger construct, disinformation really is a dirty word.
—
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
The all-or-nothing approach that has taken hold in Washington, which treats compromise as a dirty word, is the root cause of the dysfunction.
—The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
The man never, never, never says a dirty word.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
Carpenter made no mention of dropping the dirty words during the show's goodnights.
—Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
The all-or-nothing approach that has taken hold in Washington, which treats compromise as a dirty word, is the root cause of the dysfunction.
—The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
The man never, never, never says a dirty word.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
Carpenter made no mention of dropping the dirty words during the show's goodnights.
—Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20word. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share