1 smut | Definition of smut

smut

verb
\ ˈsmət How to pronounce smut (audio) \
smutted; smutting

Definition of smut

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to stain or taint with smut
2 : to affect (a crop or plant) with smut

intransitive verb

: to become affected by smut

smut

noun

Definition of smut (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : matter that soils or blackens specifically : a particle of soot
2 : any of various destructive diseases especially of cereal grasses caused by parasitic basidiomycetous fungi (order Ustilaginales) and marked by transformation of plant parts into dark masses of spores also : a fungus causing a smut
3 : obscene language or matter

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Synonyms for smut

Synonyms: Noun

crud, dirt, filth, grime, gunk, muck, soil

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Examples of smut in a Sentence

Noun

Smut is not allowed in this house. obscenity laws that aimed to stamp out smut

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The idea was that open Internet platforms where smut prevailed seemed to enjoy more protection in law than those entrepreneurial outfits that wanted to create family-friendly zones. Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, "What Is Facebook?," 25 June 2019 Nevada's notorious Sheri's Ranch has kitted out the room with smart home tech, letting punters create their own smut films using voice-control. Fox News, "Nevada brothel lets Amazon's Alexa turn you into a pornstar," 21 Aug. 2018 There are so many of us who make fanart of our favorite fics, and a lot of the time that involves smut. Aja Romano, Vox, "Tumblr’s adult content ban is already harming the site’s vibrant community.," 5 Dec. 2018 Corn smut makes pale, shining, swollen galls that burst and release powdery black spores. The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Corn," 5 Apr. 2016 But that didn't stop opponents from claiming victory against smut Thursday. YOU GUYS!!!!! Matthew Martinez, miamiherald, "Snapchat tried an X-rated story feature called Cosmo after Dark. It didn't go well | Miami Herald," 24 May 2018 Who knew reading soft-core smut could be life-changing? Allison P. Davis, The Cut, "Book Club Is Basically a Nancy Meyers Movie," 18 May 2018 If necessary, destroy affected plants to keep smut from spreading. The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Corn," 5 Apr. 2016 In fact, smut is one of the only forms of speech the government consistently regulates. Sarah Jones, The New Republic, "Stormy Daniels, Free Speech Warrior," 21 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smut.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of smut

Verb

1587, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for smut

Verb

probably alteration of earlier smot to stain, from Middle English smotten; akin to Middle High German smutzen to stain

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More Definitions for smut

smut

noun

English Language Learners Definition of smut

informal + disapproving : language, pictures, or stories that deal with sex in a way that is offensive

smut

noun
\ ˈsmət How to pronounce smut (audio) \

Kids Definition of smut

1 : something (as a particle of soot) that soils or blackens
2 : a destructive disease of plants (as cereal grasses) that is caused by a fungus
3 : a fungus that causes smut

smut

noun
\ ˈsmət How to pronounce smut (audio) \

Medical Definition of smut

: any of various destructive diseases especially of cereal grasses caused by parasitic fungi (order Ustilaginales) also : a fungus causing a smut

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More from Merriam-Webster on smut

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with smut

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for smut

Spanish Central: Translation of smut

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smut