lewd

adjective

ˈlüd 

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

Synonyms

• bawdy
• blue
• coarse
• crude
• dirty
• filthy
• foul
• gross
• gutter
• impure
• indecent
• lascivious
• locker-room
• nasty
• obscene
• pornographic
• porny
• profane
• raunchy
• ribald
• smutty
• stag
• trashy
• unprintable
• vulgar
• wanton
• X-rated

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

The measure quickly became infamous for banning the mailing of any materials deemed lewd or lascivious. —Rebecca Dewolf / Made By History, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024

The interview also sees McInnes engage in the kind of lewd behavior and racist remarks he’s become infamous for. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2024

Shortly thereafter, Hope starts to receive lewd, frightening texts and images, and her email gets hacked. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2024

When strange things start happening to her — a hacker infiltrates her mailing list and sends lewd messages to her clients; someone slashes her tires — Hope is convinced Angel is sabotaging her. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

lewd

adjective

ˈlüd 

1

: showing interest in sex in a rude manner

lewd behavior

2

: indecent

lewd remarks

lewdly adverb

lewdness noun

Legal Definition

lewd

adjective

ˈlüd 

: involving or being sexual conduct that is considered indecent or offensive : licentious

convicted of lewd and lascivious assault upon a child

—National Law Journal

lewdly adverb

lewdness noun