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turd

American  
[turd] / tɜrd /

noun

Slang: Vulgar.
  1. a piece of excrement.

  2. a mean, contemptible person.


turd British  
/ tɜːd /

noun

  1. a lump of dung; piece of excrement

  2. an unpleasant or contemptible person or thing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

This word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

Etymology

Origin of turd

before 1000; Middle English; Old English tord

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's still very early days but, quoting Toto, it doesn't look like it's a turd, which is a bonus," Russell said.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

“Makes me WAY less tethered to this turd of a planet.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

I can't be asymmetrically loyal because then you look like a turd, so don't be asymmetrically loyal to anybody.

From Salon • May 18, 2024

His wry judgments on movies are probably what you’ll remember most vividly about him, including his description of James Cameron’s “Titanic” as “the most expensive and calculated turd ever.”

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2023

I flushed the toilet a second time, and the big turd spun a lazy circle.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris