obscenity

noun

ob·​scen·​i·​ty äb-ˈse-nə-tē How to pronounce obscenity (audio)
əb-,
 also  -ˈsē-
plural obscenities
1
: the quality or state of being obscene
2
: something (such as an utterance or act) that is obscene

Examples of obscenity in a Sentence

The author uses obscenity to make a point about the culture. the song couldn't be performed on the air due to the obscenity of the lyrics
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.
Almanzar then allegedly became upset, put her finger in Ellis’ face, yelled obscenities, scratched her face with her long nails and spit on her, Ellis testified. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Ellis claimed Almánzar yelled obscenities at her, cut her left cheek with a three-inch fingernail, and spit on her. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2025 The suspect is also facing charges including interference with a professional sporting event, reckless endangerment, harassment and obscenity. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Among the other charges are interference with a professional sporting event, reckless endangerment, harassment and obscenity. Matt Moret, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscenity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French obscenité "indecent words or images," borrowed from Latin obscēnitāt-, obscēnitās (obscaenitāt-, obscaenitās) "indecency, indecent language or behavior," from obscēnus, obscaenus "ill-omened, unpropitious, evoking disgust, indecent, lewd" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at obscene

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of obscenity was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Obscenity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obscenity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

obscenity

noun
ob·​scen·​i·​ty äb-ˈsen-ət-ē How to pronounce obscenity (audio)
əb-
plural obscenities
1
: the quality or state of being obscene
2
: something that is obscene

Legal Definition

obscenity

noun
ob·​scen·​i·​ty äb-ˈse-nə-tē How to pronounce obscenity (audio)
plural obscenities
1
: the quality or state of being obscene
2
: something (as an utterance or act) that is obscene
also : obscene material

More from Merriam-Webster on obscenity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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