bawdy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbȯ-dē How to pronounce bawdy (audio)
bawdier; bawdiest
Synonyms of bawdynext
1
: boisterously or humorously indecent
bawdy jokes
2
: obscene, lewd
a bawdy comedian
bawdily
ˈbȯ-də-lē How to pronounce bawdy (audio)
adverb
bawdiness
ˈbȯ-dē-nəs How to pronounce bawdy (audio)
noun

bawdy

2 of 2

noun

: bawdry sense 2

Synonyms of bawdy

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Adjective

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Examples of bawdy in a Sentence

Adjective a bawdy film that is not appropriate for children a bawdy comment about someone you work with could get you fired
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.
Adjective
Later, the boy sits sharpening a stick in a tree, singing the first of two bawdy songs. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Feb. 2026 And this bawdy crowd-pleaser at least has the courage of its crackpot convictions. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 Since then, Sarah Ruden’s excellent (and much bawdier) new translation has come out. — Literary Hub, 19 May 2026 The potentially odorous oxfords and bawdy boots come on the heels of another viral foot sensation. — Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bawdy

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

bawd + -y entry 1

Noun

probably from bawdy entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bawdy was circa 1513

Phrases Containing bawdy

Rhymes for bawdy

See All Rhymes for bawdy

Browse Nearby Words

bawdry
bawdy
bawdy house
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bawdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bawdy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bawdy

adjective
ˈbȯd-ē
bawdier; bawdiest
: morally objectionable : obscene
bawdily
ˈbȯd-ᵊl-ē
adverb
bawdiness
ˈbȯd-ē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bawdy

Nglish: Translation of bawdy for Spanish Speakers

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