# xxx

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/xxx
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. adult content

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

used to describe films or magazines that contain very strong sexual content.

For teachers: denoting extreme or hardcore pornographic content; often used as a rating or classification.

- The website was blocked because it contained xxx material.
- The distributor specialised in xxx cinema, catering to a niche market before the advent of digital streaming services.

### 3. to cross out

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to delete or hide words by typing or writing 'x' over them.

For teachers: to delete, cross out, or redact text, especially to conceal vulgar language or sensitive data.

- The editor had to xxx the swear words in the script.
- The clerk was instructed to xxx the sensitive names in the document before it was released to the public.

## Examples

- Please replace every xxx in the form with your actual account number.
- The software developer used xxx as a temporary label for the new feature before the marketing team chose a name.
- In the draft of the contract, the lawyers used xxx to indicate where the specific dates of the agreement still needed to be finalized by both parties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.