innuendo

noun

in·​nu·​en·​do ˌin-yə-ˈwen-(ˌ)dō 

-yü-ˈen-

plural innuendos or innuendoes

1

a

: an oblique allusion : hint, insinuation

especially : a veiled or equivocal reflection on character or reputation

b

: the use of such allusions

resorting to innuendo

2

: a parenthetical explanation introduced into the text of a legal document

Did you know?

The word innuere in classical Latin meant “to nod, beckon, or make a sign to” a person, and in medieval Latin more generally “to hint” or “to insinuate.” One form of the gerund of this verb was innuendo, which meant “by hinting.” In medieval legal documents innuendo introduced inserted remarks, meaning “to wit” or “that is to say,” and the word was adopted with the same function into English legal usage. By the late 17th century innuendo was used to refer to the insertion itself and more broadly to any indirect suggestion. Later, the notion of the derogatory possibilities of such remarks came to predominate.

Synonyms

• insinuation
• imputation
• suggestion

Examples of innuendo in a Sentence

His reputation has been damaged by innuendos about his drinking and gambling.

His reputation has been damaged by innuendo.

The movie relies on sexual innuendo for its humor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dancehall lyrics are often coded, marked by innuendo. —Natalie Meade, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025

Snoop Dogg was also recognized as an Ultimate Icon by 50 Cent, and Kirk Franklin was introduced by T.I. Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the ceremony for a second time, following a stint in 2011, and opened the night with back-to-back laughs and wildcard innuendos. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 9 June 2025

After years of rumor and innuendo surrounding its fate, Parisian police have now announced the bust has been recovered, with its rediscovery occurring during a search related to a fraud case. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 20 May 2025

After a week of rumour and innuendo, Sunday saw Juventus name Igor Tudor as their Coach until the end of the season in a move that has echoes of Antonio Conte’s appointment back in 2011. —Adam Digby, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, by nodding, from innuere to nod to, make a sign to, from in- + nuere to nod; akin to Latin nutare to nod — more at numen

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for innuendo

• arguendo
• crescendo
• endo
• tendo

Kids Definition

innuendo

noun

in·​nu·​en·​do ˌin-yə-ˈwen-dō 

plural innuendos or innuendoes

: a slight suggestion or hint

especially : a suggestion that hurts someone's reputation

Legal Definition

innuendo

noun

in·​nu·​en·​do ˌi-nyü-ˈwen-dō 

: a parenthetical explanation of the text of a legal document

especially : an explanation in a complaint for defamation of the defamatory meaning of a statement by the defendant which is not defamatory on its face compare inducement