swear word

noun

variants or less commonly swearword
: a profane or obscene oath or word

Examples of swear word in a Sentence

this is a list of swearwords that are not permitted on this radio program
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.
As in Wisconsin, visitors from Illinois are sometimes referred to derogatorily using a swear word, and there is concern an influx of Chicagoans will raise housing prices. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 As Trump’s threats to Iran grew more and more extreme, fretting about whether to publish or air his use of a swear word seemed trivial. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 But the moment was banned from TV due to the use of a swear word. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2026 And while part of her sentiment was bleeped out by the network, the swear word remained on air. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swear word

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swear word was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swear word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swear%20word. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

swearword

noun
swear·​word ˈswa(ə)r-ˌwərd How to pronounce swearword (audio)
ˈswe(ə)r-
: a bad or vulgar word
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