profanity

noun

pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfa-nə-tē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
prə-
plural profanities
1
a
: the quality or state of being profane
b
: the use of profane language
2
a
: profane language
b
: an utterance of profane language

Examples of profanity in a Sentence

The comic uses too much profanity. My mom will not tolerate profanity. I have never heard my father utter a single profanity.
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.
Another Narbonne player who was ejected, Domo Phillips, won’t be able to play Friday for using profanity. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 O’Hara’s text has a sitcom patter to it with transparent laugh lines that feel almost like Neil Simon with more atmospheric profanity. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024 Trump's tone has also been darker in this campaign, and his use of profanity has proliferated. David Jackson, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Levesque confirmed that the show will maintain its TV-PG rating, and current restrictions on profanity and blood will remain in place. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for profanity 

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of profanity was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near profanity

Cite this Entry

“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profanity. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

profanity

noun
pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfan-ət-ē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
prə-
plural profanities
1
: the quality or state of being profane
2
: profane language

More from Merriam-Webster on profanity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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