dirty word
noun
: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference
Examples of dirty word in a Sentence
The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.
They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.
The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.
Recent Examples on the Web
In many parts of the country, NAFTA is still a dirty word.
—
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
Comedy was a dirty word for us in the ‘90s.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
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.
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
Comedy was a dirty word for us in the ‘90s.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20word. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share