vulgarity

noun

vul·​gar·​i·​ty ˌvəl-ˈger-rə-tē How to pronounce vulgarity (audio)
-ˈga-rə-
plural vulgarities
1
: something vulgar
2
: the quality or state of being vulgar

Examples of vulgarity in a Sentence

a comedian known for her vulgarity I was shocked by the vulgarity of his language. He uttered a vulgarity and was silent. We have a policy against printing vulgarities in our magazine.
Recent Examples on the Web Solving fundamental problems with a can-do practicality -- the very thing the world used to associate with America, and that redeemed us from our vulgarity and arrogance -- now seems beyond our reach. George Packer, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2011 Another explanation was that Martha-Ann Alito was upset about a yard sign in the neighborhood that contained a vulgarity. Washington Post, 21 June 2024 Italian media had attributed to the pope the use of an Italian vulgarity on May 20 during a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops. Giuseppe Fonte, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024 Speaking volumes with her gaze, Vikander is a shrewd choice for that role, although for much of the movie her low-key demeanor can’t help but be overwhelmed a bit by Law’s lusty vulgarity and emotional outbursts. Brian Lowry, CNN, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for vulgarity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vulgarity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vulgarity was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near vulgarity

Cite this Entry

“Vulgarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulgarity. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

vulgarity

noun
vul·​gar·​i·​ty ˌvəl-ˈgar-ət-ē How to pronounce vulgarity (audio)
plural vulgarities
1
: the quality or state of being vulgar
2
: something vulgar

More from Merriam-Webster on vulgarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!