lewd

[ lood ]

adjective

, lewd·er, lewd·est.

1. inclined to, characterized by, or inciting to lust or lechery; lascivious.
2. obscene or indecent, as language or songs; salacious.
3. Obsolete.
   1. low, ignorant, or vulgar.
   2. base, vile, or wicked, especially of a person.
   3. bad, worthless, or poor, especially of a thing.

lewd

/ luːd /

adjective

1. characterized by or intended to excite crude sexual desire; obscene
2. obsolete.
   1. wicked
   2. ignorant

Derived Forms

• ˈlewdness, noun
• ˈlewdly, adverb

Other Words From

• lewd·ly adverb
• lewd·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lewd¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English leud, lewed, Old English lǣwede “lay, unlearned”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lewd¹

C14: from Old English lǣwde lay, ignorant; see lay ³

Example Sentences

One interpretation suggests he is the embodiment of whisky, a lewd allusion to a tenured tradition of Scottish alcoholism.

From The Daily Beast

He was arrested the same day on felony charges of forcible rape, lewd acts on a minor, and kidnapping to commit a sexual offense.

From The Daily Beast

So there we have it: another lewd, dull-witted performance has sent America into a tailspin of indignation.

From The Daily Beast

Elementary School in Los Angeles, has so far been charged with 15 counts of sexual abuse and lewd acts on a child.

From The Daily Beast

The trial brought accusations of lewd rabble-rousing and rampant sexism at corporate events—bad publicity to say the least.

From The Daily Beast

These fellows had their pipes and cigars going; they were full of fun, and yet Jim could not hear an oath or a lewd word.

From Project Gutenberg

For the temple was full of the riot and revellings of the Gentiles: and of men lying with lewd women.

From Project Gutenberg

At times he actually invited lewd confidences though making every pretence of anger when they were imparted to him.

From Project Gutenberg

I was therefore conducted to this house, which was filled partly with sick people, partly with a lewd rabble.

From Project Gutenberg

One of my companions seized her by the arm with a lewd jest, when all at once Rimnez stepped between.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bawdy
• coarse
• erotic
• lascivious
• naughty
• obscene
• off-color
• pornographic
• racy
• ribald
• salacious
• suggestive
• vile