1
a
: obscene, vulgar
lewd remarks
b
: sexually unchaste or licentious (see licentious sense 1)
lewd behavior
2
obsolete : evil, wicked
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Examples of lewd in a Sentence

He made lewd remarks to the woman at the bar. bystanders were shocked by the lewd behavior of the couple in the park
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The race, marred by discoveries of Robinson's history of lewd and racist statements online, is part of the reason why the state is in play for Democrats. James Powel, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Now Roberts is behind bars, facing a felony charge of committing a lewd act on a child, court records show. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024 But Thursday’s eye-popping report from CNN detailing North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s allegedly lewd comments on pornographic websites before entering office could scramble the race. Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Sep. 2024 Marcelino Olguin was the only one charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14. Izzy Alvarez, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lewd 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lewed vulgar, from Old English lǣwede laical, ignorant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lewd was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lewd

Cite this Entry

“Lewd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lewd. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lewd

adjective
1
: showing interest in sex in a rude manner
lewd behavior
2
: indecent
lewd remarks
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Legal Definition

lewd

adjective
: involving or being sexual conduct that is considered indecent or offensive : licentious
convicted of lewd and lascivious assault upon a childNational Law Journal
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lewd

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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