indecent exposure

noun

: intentional exposure of part of one's body (such as the genitals) in a place or under circumstances in which 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

The city is quickly building the new, temporary facility in order to hold detainees facing city charges — such as trespassing, theft, car break-ins, resisting arrest, assault, indecent exposure or unlawful use of a weapon — ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June. —Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026

What’s the punishment for indecent exposure? —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

Hiles is awaiting arraignment on multiple charges, including indecent exposure and harassment. —Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

Some states might even classify the act as indecent exposure. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026

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.