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
Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 20 Oct. 2024
Although her songs may sound bubbly and sweet, many contain innuendos and explicit language.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 15 Oct. 2024
Elon Musk, the X owner who has endorsed Trump, has repeatedly posted rumors and innuendo denigrating the federal government’s response to Helene.
—Brian Stelter, CNN, 5 Oct. 2024
That said, this is an incredibly tough question, tending to spark more rumor and innuendo than uncover any truths, as onlookers try to determine who knew what when.
—Lavanya Ramanathan, Vox, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for innuendo 
Dictionary Entries Near innuendo
Cite this Entry
“Innuendo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innuendo. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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innuendo
noun
Legal Definition
innuendo
noun
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