indecent exposure

noun

: intentional exposure of part of one's body (such as the genitals) in a place where such exposure is likely to be an offense against the generally accepted standards of decency

Examples of indecent exposure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2004, he's been charged with petit theft (low-value theft), possession of marijuana and cocaine, trespassing and indecent exposure in public, according to court documents. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

She was charged with indecent exposure, soliciting prostitution and obstructing governmental operations, according to court records obtained by PEOPLE. —Francesca Gariano, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025

The rise in vagrancy, open drug use, aggressive panhandling, indecent exposure and public health hazards have made downtown residents feel increasingly unsafe in their own city. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025

Wearing a thong bikini, swim briefs or other revealing swimwear in public does not violate California’s indecent exposure law, according to Los Angeles law firm Eisner Gorin LLP. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for indecent exposure

• closure
• crozier
• hosier
• mosher
• composure
• cynosure
• disclosure
• enclosure
• foreclosure
• inclosure
• nondisclosure
• postexposure

Medical Definition

indecent exposure

noun

: intentional exposure of part of one's body (as the genitalia) in a place where such exposure is likely to be an offense against the generally accepted standards of decency in a community

Legal Definition

indecent exposure

noun

in·​de·​cent exposure

: the exposing of one's private body parts (as the genitals) either recklessly or intentionally and under circumstances likely to cause offense or affront

Note: Indecent exposure is generally classified as a misdemeanor.