raunchy

adjective

raun·​chy ˈrȯn-chē How to pronounce raunchy (audio)
ˈrän-
raunchier; raunchiest
Synonyms of raunchynext
1
: slovenly, dirty
a raunchy panhandler
also : very smelly
raunchy sneakers
2
: obscene, smutty
raunchy jokes
raunchily adverb
raunchiness noun

Examples of raunchy in a Sentence

inappropriately used office e-mail for an exchange of raunchy jokes
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.
More than two decades ago, Elizabeth rose to fame starring in American Pie, the 1999 raunchy comedy that followed a group of high school friends on a mission to lose their virginity before graduation. Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 The actress' turn to OnlyFans recontextualizes Elizabeth's partially nude role in the 1999 raunchy teen comedy, as Nadia is recorded via webcam by hapless admirer Jim (Jason Biggs), without her knowledge, in an encounter that spirals into live spectacle. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 One raunchy session from 1975 with a lover named Mike Karton begins with Peter worshipping Karton’s jockstrap in his Second Avenue loft. Andrew Durbin, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026 The hilariously raunchy ode to male competence saw the pop star elevated at the center of a sprinkler-head chair, spritzing herself and her backup dancers. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for raunchy

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of raunchy was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raunchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raunchy. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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