profanity

noun

pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfa-nə-tē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
prə-
plural profanities
1
a
: the quality or state of being profane
b
: the use of profane language
2
a
: profane language
b
: an utterance of profane language

Examples of profanity in a Sentence

The comic uses too much profanity. My mom will not tolerate profanity. I have never heard my father utter a single profanity.
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.
Kenyatta gave an even more impassioned appeal, using profanity while trying to portray the bill as part of a sinister plot by the rich to harm the poor. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025 Epic Games rapidly deployed a hotfix after players encountered the Sith Lord responding to their comments with profanity and strong language. ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025 For Dowd, Moira standing up to Lydia and telling her off brought back memories from the pilot, when Lydia had Janine’s eye famously removed for using profanity. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025 August 2023: Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pham got into a verbal confrontation with a fan while in the on-deck circle in San Diego, saying later that the fan referred to him with a profanity. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profanity

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of profanity was in 1563

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profanity. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

profanity

noun
pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfan-ət-ē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
prə-
plural profanities
1
: the quality or state of being profane
2
: profane language

More from Merriam-Webster on profanity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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