vulgarity

vul·gar·i·ty | \ ˌvəl-ˈger-rə-tē

How to pronounce vulgarity (audio)

, -ˈga-rə- \

plural vulgarities

Definition of vulgarity

1 : something vulgar

2 : the quality or state of being vulgar

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about vulgarity

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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 Sometimes actually seems to be quite often, as the path to the White House has become a blue streak of vulgarity, cuss words and four-letter effusions. — Author: Mark Z. Barabak, Anchorage Daily News, "What the #%&@?! Trump and 2020 Democrats are cursing a blue streak," 24 Sep. 2019 Red, white and new: Nationals rule October in D.C. Taubman’s vulgarity and Verlander’s immaturity is galling enough. — Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, "Opinion: MLB needs to address Houston Astros' troubling history of toxic behavior," 22 Oct. 2019 McCain appears to use vulgarity during heated 'View' debate with Behar over Trump. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS Mexico ratifies USMCA trade deal with US, Canada. — Fox News, "Iran shoots down US drone in 'clear message'; Trump calls out 'unhinged' Dems in Fox exclusive," 20 June 2019 Behind the film lie the Panama Papers—the millions of files, leaked in 2016, that demonstrated how the wealthy stash their moola offshore and thereby avoid the plebeian vulgarity of tax. — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, "Villains Hog the Spotlight in “The Laundromat”," 20 Sep. 2019 Yan’s vulgarity is the flip side of his sensuality, and recalls Upton Sinclair’s line about aiming for his readers’ hearts and hitting them in the stomach. — Jamie Fisher, New York Times, "In the Brutality of the Chinese Countryside, ‘Mythorealism’ Reigns," 26 Jan. 2018 The caller said the man, who had luggage, was making phone calls and screaming vulgarities. — John Benson, cleveland.com, "Ex-girlfriend threatening to vandalize home: Strongsville Police Blotter," 11 Jan. 2018 Legend called on the first lady to intervene, and Teigen used vulgarities. — BostonGlobe.com, "Trump insults Teigen and Legend, and they fire back," 10 Sep. 2019 She also was scolded for yelling a vulgarity at her son, former council chairman Dan Roach, at a council meeting last year. — Josephine Peterson, The Seattle Times, "Pierce County Council’s Pam Roach won’t seek reelection," 12 Aug. 2019

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

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Last Updated

15 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Vulgarity.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulgarity. Accessed 24 January 2020.

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More Definitions for vulgarity

vulgarity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of vulgarity

: the quality or state of not having good taste, manners, politeness, etc.

: something (such as a word) that is offensive or rude

See the full definition for vulgarity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vulgarity

vul·gar·i·ty | \ ˌvəl-ˈger-ə-tē

\

plural vulgarities

Kids Definition of vulgarity

1 : the quality or state of having or showing poor taste or manners

2 : rude or offensive language or behavior

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