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.
In its 91-year history the FCC has routinely reserved its moderation of broadcast TV to regulating lewd or profane content. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 In 2016, aspiring writer-director Carmen Emmi came across a Los Angeles Times article about undercover cops who would arrest gay men on charges of lewd conduct in public bathrooms — a controversial tactic criticized as a form of entrapment. Max Gao, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025 Dahle was initially charged in February with a single count of lewd conduct with a child under 16 by the Fremont County Prosecutor’s Office, and the case was initially assigned to Judge Faren Eddins. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Sep. 2025 Cooper was convicted of four counts of lewd acts against the girl. Gary Klien, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lewd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lewd. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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

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