1. a profane or obscene word or phrase, especially one used to express anger or frustration
Usage: often considered offensive
2. a word or phrase that fills out a sentence or line of verse without adding meaning
Usage: grammar; literary

1. serving to fill out or complete
Usage: formal; grammar

Examples

• The angry driver shouted an expletive at the other car.
• The movie was rated R due to frequent expletives.
• She muttered an expletive under her breath when she dropped her phone.
• The phrase ‘there is’ often serves as an expletive construction in English.
• The poet used expletive words to maintain the meter of the verse.
• His speech was filled with expletives that made the audience uncomfortable.
• The expletive ‘it’ in ‘it is raining’ has no real meaning.