innuendo
noun
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The word innuere in classical Latin meant “to nod, beckon, or make a sign to” a person, and in medieval Latin more generally “to hint” or “to insinuate.” One form of the gerund of this verb was innuendo, which meant “by hinting.” In medieval legal documents innuendo introduced inserted remarks, meaning “to wit” or “that is to say,” and the word was adopted with the same function into English legal usage. By the late 17th century innuendo was used to refer to the insertion itself and more broadly to any indirect suggestion. Later, the notion of the derogatory possibilities of such remarks came to predominate.
Examples of innuendo in a Sentence
Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
What makes the experience of grinding through all 900-plus pages is the way the author weaves together rumor, history, innuendo, mystery, outrage, heartache and ecstasy.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Some producer ordered a 48-pack of corded black bracelets on Amazon, so each single gives a bracelet and innuendo to their contestant of choice.
—Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2025
After a week of rumour and innuendo, Sunday saw Juventus name Igor Tudor as their Coach until the end of the season in a move that has echoes of Antonio Conte’s appointment back in 2011.
—Adam Digby, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innuendo
Cite this Entry
“Innuendo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innuendo. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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innuendo
noun
Legal Definition
innuendo
noun
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