expletive

1 of 2

noun

ex·​ple·​tive ˈek-splə-tiv 

1

a

: 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

2 of 2

adjective

1

: serving to fill up

expletive phrases

2

: marked by the use of expletives

Synonyms

Noun

• curse
• swear
• language
• profanity
• epithet
• vulgarism
• cuss

Examples of expletive in a Sentence

Noun

Angry expletives filled the air.

Expletives were deleted from the transcript of their conversation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other posts included in the indictment show Habba was also called expletives. —Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025

During Tuesday night’s public comment period, the mayor’s mic picked up him uttering an expletive referring to a public commenter, with the moment posted on multiple social media accounts. —Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 19 June 2025

After pausing there to chant slogans and expletives opposing Trump’s immigration policies, the group continued to march through downtown and appeared headed toward the Tower Bridge. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025

Robert Rhoads, Oakland Park Politicians and vulgarities Your front-page article on the use of expletives by U.S. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English explatyvis (plural) "word serving an expletive function," borrowed from Late Latin explētīva (feminine) or explētīvum (neuter), noun derivatives of explētīvus "(of words, especially conjunctions) filling out a clause without changing the essential meaning" — more at expletive entry 2

Adjective

Middle English expletyf "(of a conjunction) filling out the meaning of a following clause," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French expletif "serving to fill out a sentence, redundant," borrowed from Late Latin explētīvus "(of words, especially conjunctions) filling out a clause without changing the essential meaning," from Latin explētus, past participle of explēre "to fill up, satisfy, make good" (from ex- ex- entry 1 + plēre "to fill") + -īvus -ive — more at full entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expletive

noun

ex·​ple·​tive

ˈek-splət-iv

: an exclamatory word or phrase

especially : swearword