content warning

American  

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

noun

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of content warning

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Sophie read Wuthering Heights when she was 12 and said she didn't feel like it needed a content warning but understood why it might be appropriate for some.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Still, some fans criticized the decision not to place a content warning at the start of either episode.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2023

Her author’s note serves as a brief content warning — one that is wholly merited, as the book touches on numerous sensitive but important topics.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 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

Netflix’s content warning, pictured below, pops up when you play the season 4 premiere, and it seems that the message only appears the very first time to press play.

From The Verge • May 27, 2022