Phrases
the N-word or less commonly the n-word
used euphemistically to refer to the word nigger
A suburban Philadelphia school expelled "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" from its curriculum over the book's overuse of the N-word.David K. Li

Examples of N-word in a Sentence

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 mob mocked him with the N-word and assaulted him, striking him in the head, and then repeatedly punching and kicking him in his body, police said. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025 However, Johnson’s decision could be complicated by the resurfacing of a post on X in which Quezada used the N-word. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 The movie spent the autumn stepping on rakes: Mortensen uttered the N-word during a Q&A, and the real pianist’s family revealed they had not been consulted on the film. Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 After a pause, Chase says the N-word live on the air. Saba Hamedy, NBC News, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for N-word

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of N-word was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“N-word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/N-word. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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