nude

[ nood, nyood ]

adjective

, nud·er, nud·est.

1. naked or unclothed, as a person or the body.

   Synonyms: exposed, undressed, uncovered

2. without the usual coverings, furnishings, etc.; bare:

   a nude stretch of land laid waste by brush fires.

3. (of a photograph, painting, statue, etc.) being or prominently displaying a representation of the nude human figure.
4. Law. made without a consideration or other legal essential:

   a nude contract.

5. having the color nude.

noun

1. a sculpture, painting, etc., of a nude human figure.
2. an unclothed human figure.
3. the condition of being unclothed:

   to sleep in the nude.

4. (no longer in common use; now considered offensive) a light grayish-yellow brown to brownish-pink color.
5. a color that falls within the spectrum of human skin colors.

nude

/ njuːd /

adjective

1. completely unclothed; undressed
2. having no covering; bare; exposed
3. law
   1. lacking some essential legal requirement, esp supporting evidence
   2. (of a contract, agreement, etc) made without consideration and void unless under seal

noun

1. the state of being naked (esp in the phrase in the nude )
2. a naked figure, esp in painting, sculpture, etc

Usage Alert

See flesh color.

Pronunciation Note

See new none.

Derived Forms

• ˈnudeness, noun
• ˈnudely, adverb

Other Words From

• nudely adverb
• nudeness noun
• semi·nude adjective
• sub·nude adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nude¹

1525–35; < Latin nūdus; naked none

Word History and Origins

Origin of nude¹

C16: from Latin nūdus

Example Sentences

He is known mainly for drawings of nudes and semi-nudes that can be unnervingly explicit, and he often appears in his own work.

From New York Times

Still, an investigation by law enforcement confirmed that Vandenbush had sent nude photos and agreed to meet a minor at the park for sexual purposes, and he was arrested on several felony charges.

From Los Angeles Times

The model was only 18 when she had to go nude.

From Salon

Sextortion often involves victims being sent a nude picture or video before being asked to send their own in return.

From BBC

"It was calculated, he focused on boys. He groomed young men. He encouraged them to take showers in the nude with him. There was a pattern of violence," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• naked