vulgarity

noun

vul·​gar·​i·​ty ˌvəl-ˈger-rə-tē How to pronounce vulgarity (audio)
-ˈga-rə-
plural vulgarities
1
: something vulgar
2
: the quality or state of being vulgar

Examples of vulgarity in a Sentence

a comedian known for her vulgarity I was shocked by the vulgarity of his language. He uttered a vulgarity and was silent. We have a policy against printing vulgarities in our magazine.
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 real marvel, in this instance, being the avoidance of vulgarity. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025 Attention-grabbing vulgarity aside, Pearl was talking hoops, not other things that have been central to Auburn men’s basketball discourse of late. Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 So cheers to Schulz—and Emma, who agreed to share their story—for helping to normalize IVF, even if vulgarity was his way of doing so! Melissa Willets, Parents, 10 Mar. 2025 President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have the vulgarity to sneer at what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is wearing? Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vulgarity

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vulgarity was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

vulgarity

noun
vul·​gar·​i·​ty ˌvəl-ˈgar-ət-ē How to pronounce vulgarity (audio)
plural vulgarities
1
: the quality or state of being vulgar
2
: something vulgar

More from Merriam-Webster on vulgarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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