lewd

adjective

ˈlüd 

1

a

: obscene, vulgar

lewd remarks

b

: sexually unchaste or licentious (see licentious sense 1)

lewd behavior

2

obsolete : evil, wicked

lewdly adverb

lewdness noun

Synonyms of lewd

• obscene
• pornographic
• vulgar
• foul
• nasty
• dirty
• filthy

Examples of lewd in a Sentence

He made lewd remarks to the woman at the bar.

bystanders were shocked by the lewd behavior of the couple in the park

Recent Examples on the Web

On April 12, former congressman Swalwell, 45, suspended his campaign for governor of California after multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior ranging from sending lewd, unwanted messages to drugging, raping and choking them. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Jean is charged with lewd and lascivious molestation on a child 12-16 years old and battery. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

Dropping your underwear to flash people and commit lewd acts in front of them is criminal. —Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026

Betty repeatedly left lewd messages on the newlywed couple’s answering machine, to the point that Dan threatened to file criminal contempt charges, The Times reported at the time. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lewed vulgar, from Old English lǣwede laical, ignorant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for lewd

• blued
• booed
• brewed
• brood
• chewed
• cooed
• coude
• crude
• cued
• dude
• feud
• food

Kids Definition

lewd

adjective

ˈlüd 

1

: showing interest in sex in a rude manner

lewd behavior

2

: indecent

lewd remarks

lewdly adverb

lewdness noun

Legal Definition

lewd

adjective

ˈlüd 

: involving or being sexual conduct that is considered indecent or offensive : licentious

convicted of lewd and lascivious assault upon a child

—National Law Journal

lewdly adverb

lewdness noun