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

Lavandeira also defended her brother, who in the early aughts burst onto the internet’s celebrity culture and gossip scene with shocking headlines and often lewd doodles over celeb images. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

But there is a real tenderness that’s thrown into the mix with the lewd banter and glass-half-empty outlook. — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

In April, the former congressman 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. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Officers responded Saturday to the Barnes & Noble at the Palladio after receiving reports of a man engaging in lewd conduct inside the store, Folsom police said. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 6 Aug. 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