pornographic

American  

[pawr-nuh-graf-ik] / ˌpɔr nəˈgræf ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or reminiscent of sexually explicit material, such as video, audio, text, or images, whose purpose is to elicit sexual arousal.

---

Etymology

Origin of pornographic

First recorded in 1850–55; pornograph(y) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

"The use of highly effective age assurance to protect children from harmful pornographic content is non-negotiable and we will accept no excuses for failure," said Suzanne Cater, director of enforcement at Ofcom.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

"It's not pornographic and they're not doing anything illegal, so I don't think it should have been blocked," said a male IT worker Moon Jang-won.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2024

Books that get removed from libraries are often described as inappropriate or pornographic, but in practice, many deal with themes of race or include L.G.B.T.Q. characters, according to free speech organization and library groups.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2023

Carrasquilla stepped down as principal of Tallahassee Classical school in the Florida city last month after one parent claimed the towering sculpture was pornographic.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

But I may remark that Mr. Shorter did not advocate the censoring of the book, nor did he come within seven Irish miles of describing it as pornographic.

From Books and Persons Being Comments on a Past Epoch 1908-1911 by Bennett, Arnold

Related Words

• adult
• erotic
• indecent
• lewd
• obscene
• salacious
• sexy