guilty pleasure

noun

: something pleasurable that induces a usually minor feeling of guilt

Examples of guilty pleasure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
From cinematic masterpieces to guilty pleasures, these services offer refreshing takes on streaming that make online content bingeing feel new again. ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025 Quigley, who dropped $350 on her event, is among many fans gathering at one another's homes and public venues weekly to enjoy the guilty pleasure of watching Belly navigate her love for two boys she's known her whole life – and that each present a different future for her. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 July 2025 Which brings us to everybody’s favorite guilty pleasure summer series, Big Brother. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 16 June 2025 In recent years, the American spinoff of the popular British series has turned into a pop culture phenomenon and has evolved from a casual guilty pleasure into a fully immersive group experience, sparking watch parties that rival Super Bowl gatherings across the country. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for guilty pleasure

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guilty pleasure was in 1907

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Cite this Entry

“Guilty pleasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guilty%20pleasure. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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