turgid

adjective tur·gid \ ˈtər-jəd \

Updated on: 16 Mar 2018

Definition of turgid

1 : excessively embellished in style or language : bombastic, pompous

turgid prose

2 : being in a state of distension : swollen, tumid

turgid limbs

; especially : exhibiting turgor

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turgidity

play \ˌtər-ˈji-də-tē\ noun

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turgidly

play \ˈtər-jəd-lē\ adverb

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turgidness

noun

See turgid defined for English-language learners

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Examples of turgid in a Sentence

turgid leeches having had their fill of blood

Recent Examples of turgid from the Web

It was long branded untranslatable, a view reinforced by a turgid rendering published in 1931.

— The Economist, "The real resonances, and warnings, of Weimar Germany," 8 Mar. 2018
But professors who attempt to dress up or show off their learning by employing dense, turgid language do their fields—and their students—a great disservice.

— michael zimm, WSJ, "If You Want Your Child to Succeed, Don’t Sell Liberal Arts Short," 2 Mar. 2018
Smith sprinkles James’s distinctively fresh early style with just the lightest pinch of turgid fussiness — the language is pitch perfect — and his insights into James’s character and mind are flawless.

— john vernon, New York Times, "Two Novels Trace Parallels Between Past and Present, or Create Them," 16 Feb. 2018
Arsenal is still 8 points out of fourth place, behind all of its main rivals and locked in turgid form.

— rory smith, New York Times, "Arsenal Is in Crisis, but a Signing Changes the Mood," 1 Feb. 2018
His prose is turgid and, less forgivable, tortured.

— david mamet, WSJ, "Charles Dickens Makes Me Want to Throw Up," 21 July 2017
At its best, Pallbearer’s infusion of fresh harmonic blood into doom’s turgid circulatory system is exhilarating.

— david rees, New York Times, "Letter of Recommendation: Pallbearer," 19 Oct. 2017
The Ministry of Education has declared 2017 a key year for enhancing the quality of ideological education—an area where classes have long been seen as turgid affairs.

— te-ping chen, WSJ, "China Steps Up Ideology Drive on College Campuses," 25 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turgid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.