Phrases
the N-word or less commonly the n-word
—used euphemistically to refer to the word nigger
A suburban Philadelphia school expelled "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" from its curriculum over the book's overuse of the N-word.—David K. Li

Examples of N-word in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Page Six reported that Dionicio, who is Black, used the N-word during a game and Goldstein, who is White, repeated it. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 The shouting man called a Black flight attendant the N-word and used an anti-gay slur, TMZ said their sources had told the outlet. — Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 6 Sep. 2026 When the interrogation turned to Palmer, Scott claimed Palmer had called him the ‘N-word’ before the shooting. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 Upon failing to find the beloved correspondent, Truelove turned his attention to and used the N-word against Melvin. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for N-word

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of N-word was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“N-word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/N-word. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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