Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "innuendo" []

  • An indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation. (noun)
  • Law A plaintiff's interpretation in a libel suit of allegedly libelous or slanderous material. (noun)
  • Law A parenthetic explanation of a word or charge in a legal document. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "innuendo" in a sentence
  • "The word innuendo has appeared in 68 New York Times articles in the past year, including on Aug. 31 in "Bullying Law Puts New Jersey Schools on Spot" by Winnie Hu: "It's not the traditional bullying: the big kid in the schoolyard saying, 'You're going to do what I say,' " Richard Bergacs, an assistant principal at North Hunterdon High, said."
  • "If it was a big thing, perhaps she'd be interested ... (f'nar f'nar) innuendo is Italian for enema - heard it on Radio 2"
  • "Your innuendo is absolutly insane, that the mayor of one city is controlling an entire county's election consisting of several cities, and election officials."