content warning

American

[kon-tent wawr-ning] / ˈkɒn tɛnt ˌwɔr nɪŋ /

noun

a stated warning that the content of the immediately following text, video, etc., may upset or offend some people: CW

Gee, thanks for the content warning for snakes, but it didn’t stop me from seeing those pictures on my Instagram timeline.

Etymology

Origin of content warning

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another corny content warning here, but I felt as if I already knew him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2023

Only a graphic content warning was applied to some of the pictures.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2023

They should require sugar content warning labels on sugary drink containers and outdoor ads — something 10 countries have already done.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2023

A show that starts that way should come with a content warning: These clichés may hurt your teeth.

From New York Times • Nov. 7, 2022

Screenshot: Twitter The image is now ready to be posted, Screenshot: Twitter Here’s how the content warning appears on Twitter.

From The Verge • Apr. 4, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023