1. words or phrases used to fill out a sentence or line of verse without adding meaning
Usage: grammar; linguistics
2. swear words or profane language used to express strong emotion
Usage: informal; potentially offensive

Examples

• The phrase ‘there are’ in ‘there are many books’ is often considered an expletive construction.
• In the sentence ‘it is raining,’ the word ‘it’ serves as an expletive.
• The angry driver shouted expletives at the other motorist.
• The movie was rated R due to violence and frequent expletives.
• She tried to avoid using expletives in front of the children.
• The coach’s speech was filled with expletives after the team’s poor performance.
• Many expletives in English begin with the word ‘there’ or ‘it.’
• The comedian’s routine relied heavily on expletives for shock value.