lewd
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈuːd/
US
- /ˈlud/
Description
- indecent
- vulgar
- obscene
- crude
- lustful
The word "lewd" describes something rude or offensive in a sexual way. It usually suggests crude sexual talk, gestures, jokes, or behavior rather than something mildly suggestive. You might call a joke lewd if it is full of dirty references, or describe a comment as lewd if it feels openly sexual and improper. The word can also be used for images, scenes, or performances that seem indecent in a sexual way. It often carries a judgmental tone, showing that the speaker finds the behavior coarse, inappropriate, or offensive.
The word "lewd" describes something indecent, crude, or offensive in a sexual way. It is stronger than words like "suggestive" or "flirty." When something is called lewd, it usually means it has crossed a line into openly sexual behavior, language, or imagery that people may find vulgar or improper.
Historically, "lewd" has had a long journey. In Middle English, it first referred to ordinary people rather than clergy. Later, it came to mean unlearned or morally bad, and over time it developed its modern sense of sexually improper or lustful. Older writing often uses the word in a moral or legal tone, and that serious tone still lingers today.
Today, "lewd" is often used for sexual jokes, comments, gestures, images, or acts that seem coarse and offensive. A person might be accused of making lewd remarks, a comedian might tell a lewd joke, or a piece of media might be described as lewd because of explicit sexual content. The word is also common in formal phrases such as "lewd conduct" or "lewd behavior."
What counts as lewd can depend on culture, setting, and personal standards. Still, the central idea stays the same: something sexual that is expressed in a way seen as vulgar, shameless, or offensive. So if you see something described as lewd, expect language, behavior, or content that many people would view as indecent rather than merely playful or romantic.
Examples
- 1
Digital messages
She deleted the lewd message and blocked the sender.
- 2
Family show
The comedian was warned to avoid lewd jokes during the family show.
- 3
Sports crowd
A few fans made lewd gestures at the players as they left the field.
- 4
Visual content
The poster was removed because it contained a lewd image.
- 5
Legal charge
He was charged with lewd conduct in a public place.
Domain
lewd conduct
a formal legal phrase
- 6
Legal wording
The report used the phrase “lewd and lascivious behavior,” which often appears in legal language.
Domain
lewd and lascivious
a fixed legal phrase; lascivious means similar to lewd
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lewdadjective
Forms
- lewdercomparativeadjective
- lewdestsuperlativeadjective