Today, we still use spurious to mean "illegitimate," but the more common meaning is "false" (a sense introduced to spurious in Late Latin). Originally our "false" sense emphasized improper origin, and it …

SPURIOUS definition: not genuine, authentic, or true; not from the claimed, pretended, or proper source; counterfeit. See examples of spurious used in a sentence.

SPURIOUS definition: 1. false and not what it appears to be, or (of reasons and judgments) based on something that has…. Learn more.

Define spurious. spurious synonyms, spurious pronunciation, spurious translation, English dictionary definition of spurious. adj. 1. Lacking authenticity or validity in essence or origin; not genuine: …

(of a plant part or organ) having the appearance of another part but differing from it in origin, development, or function; false a spurious fruit

Jan 20, 2026 · Adjective spurious (comparative more spurious, superlative most spurious) False, not authentic, not genuine.

Definition of spurious adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

spurious, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

spurious - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.

Something false or inauthentic is spurious. Don't trust spurious ideas and stories. Spurious statements often are lies, just as a spurious coin is a counterfeit coin — a fake.