English · Word Candidate

vulgar

/ˈvʌl.ɡə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: vulgarer · vulgarest · vulgars

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Debased; uncouth; distasteful; obscene.

Adjective

Examples

vulgar language

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Having to do with ordinary, common people.

Adjective

Examples

Near-synonyms: vulgate; vulgarized

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A common, ordinary person.

Noun

Examples

Popular antiquarian writings […] frequently focused on the regional vulgars' superstitious beliefs regarding the dead and their ongoing presence—such as popular funeral rites or the vulgars' fear of church yards.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

The common people.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “vulgar” mean?

Debased; uncouth; distasteful; obscene.

Is “vulgar” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.