Definition of expletive
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense
especially
: a word (such as it in "make it clear which you prefer") that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content
b
: an exclamatory word or phrase
especially
: one that is obscene or profane
2
: one that serves to fill out or as a filling
expletive
adjectiveDefinition of expletive (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: serving to fill up
expletive phrases
2
: marked by the use of expletives
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for expletive
The first known use of expletive was in the 15th century
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