Standard Lemma guide

billingsgate

name · noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

name

Meaning 1

A ward of the City of London, Greater London, England.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Profane, abusive language; coarse words.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • You wouldn't have believed the billingsgate which poured forth from that boy's mouth.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To use profane, abusive language towards.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

foul-mouthed or obscene abuse

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: scurrility

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: abuse, insult, revilement, contumely, vilification

History

Etymology

From the London, England fishmarket Billingsgate: "Billingsgate is the market where the fishwomen assemble to purchase fish; and where, in their dealings and disputes they are somewhat apt to leave decency and good manners a little on the left hand." (Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811).

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: obelżywy język — profane, abusive language
  • Polish: używać obelżywego języka — to use profane, abusive language towards
  • Polish: użyć obelżywego języka — to use profane, abusive language towards