# Urban Dictionary API

> Urban Dictionary returns slang definitions and Words of the Day as a workflow and API.

Urban Dictionary (UD) defines a slang word or phrase you provide, returning definitions in the site’s order with examples, votes, authors, and dates. List words of the day returns featured words, newest first, with dates, definitions, examples, and votes; set a maximum number to return.

- Page: https://fous.com/workflows/urban-dictionary
- Handle: `@urban-dictionary`
- Category: [Education](https://fous.com/workflows/category/education)
- Source website: https://urbandictionary.com
- Last verified: Sep 29, 2026
- Fous is not affiliated with Urban Dictionary.

## Methods

### Define slang

Operation `define_slang`, version 1. 1 credit per call.

Get Urban Dictionary definitions for a slang word or phrase in the site’s order, including examples, votes, author, and date. Returns an empty list when the term has no definitions.

**Input**

| Field | Type | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `term` | string | yes | `"rizz"` | Slang word or phrase to define, for example rizz. |
| `max_results` | integer | no | `10` | Maximum definitions to return, for example 5. |

**Input schema**

```json
{
  "type": "object",
  "required": [
    "term"
  ],
  "properties": {
    "term": {
      "type": "string",
      "minLength": 1,
      "description": "Slang word or phrase to define, for example rizz.",
      "examples": [
        "rizz",
        "no cap",
        "flibberwumpzxyqzzqq98765"
      ]
    },
    "max_results": {
      "type": "integer",
      "default": 5,
      "maximum": 20,
      "minimum": 1,
      "description": "Maximum definitions to return, for example 5.",
      "x-fous-developer": true,
      "examples": [
        10
      ]
    }
  },
  "additionalProperties": false,
  "examples": [
    {
      "term": "rizz"
    },
    {
      "term": "no cap",
      "max_results": 10
    },
    {
      "term": "flibberwumpzxyqzzqq98765"
    }
  ]
}
```

**Output**

| Field | Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `definitions` | array |  | Definitions in the order shown on Urban Dictionary. |
| `definitions[].word` | string | `"Rizz"` | Word or phrase as shown. |
| `definitions[].author` | string or null | `"bro got no rizz"` | Name of the definition author. |
| `definitions[].example` | string or null | `"Person 1: are you from Tennessee cuz u the only ten i see ;)\nPerson watching from a far:Damn, that nigga has no rizz"` | Usage example as plain text, if available. |
| `definitions[].meaning` | string | `"Another word for spitting game/how good you are with pulling and sustaining bitches."` | Definition text without linked-word markup. |
| `definitions[].thumbs_up` | integer | `0` | Number of upvotes. |
| `definitions[].thumbs_down` | integer | `0` | Number of downvotes. |
| `definitions[].date_written` | string or null | `"2022-03-31"` | Date the definition was written. |
| `definitions[].definition_id` | string | `"17115763"` | Urban Dictionary definition ID. |
| `definitions[].definition_link` | string | `"https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Rizz#17115763"` | Link to the definition on its page. |

**Example input**

```json
{
  "term": "rizz"
}
```

**Example output**

```json
{
  "definitions": [
    {
      "word": "Rizz",
      "author": "bro got no rizz",
      "example": "Person 1: are you from Tennessee cuz u the only ten i see ;)\nPerson watching from a far:Damn, that nigga has no rizz",
      "meaning": "Another word for spitting game/how good you are with pulling and sustaining bitches.",
      "thumbs_up": 0,
      "thumbs_down": 0,
      "date_written": "2022-03-31",
      "definition_id": "17115763",
      "definition_link": "https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Rizz#17115763"
    },
    {
      "word": "Rizz",
      "author": "Ragingx2",
      "example": "Silky: Yo I saw that you were talking to that girl Rachel over there. Did you get her number?\n\nKai: Indeed! You know me I got maad Rizz",
      "meaning": "NYC Slang created by a twitch streamer and youtuber named Kai cenat. This means that you have game and get bitches.",
      "thumbs_up": 0,
      "thumbs_down": 0,
      "date_written": "2021-06-01",
      "definition_id": "16051930",
      "definition_link": "https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Rizz#16051930"
    },
    {
      "word": "Rizz",
      "author": "Thepersonwhomakesdefinitions",
      "example": "John: “hey how’s it going?”\nChad: “cool! I’m a complete rizz”\nJohn: “oh so you get no bitches”",
      "meaning": "Fatherless being who thinks they get bitches",
      "thumbs_up": 0,
      "thumbs_down": 0,
      "date_written": "2022-09-04",
      "definition_id": "17439893",
      "definition_link": "https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Rizz#17439893"
    }
  ]
}
```

### List words of the day

Operation `list_words_of_the_day`, version 1. 1 credit per call.

List the Words of the Day shown on Urban Dictionary, newest first, with their featured dates, definitions, examples, votes and definition links. Returns up to 30 words.

**Input**

| Field | Type | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `max_results` | integer | no | `3` | Most featured words to return, from 1 to 30. Example: 10. |

**Input schema**

```json
{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "max_results": {
      "type": "integer",
      "default": 10,
      "maximum": 30,
      "minimum": 1,
      "description": "Most featured words to return, from 1 to 30. Example: 10.",
      "x-fous-developer": true,
      "examples": [
        3,
        30
      ]
    }
  },
  "additionalProperties": false,
  "examples": [
    {
      "max_results": 3
    },
    {},
    {
      "max_results": 30
    }
  ]
}
```

**Output**

| Field | Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `words_of_the_day` | array |  | Featured definitions sorted by featured date, newest first. |
| `words_of_the_day[].word` | string | `"leafers"` | Featured word or phrase. |
| `words_of_the_day[].example` | string or null | `"New York and everyone from there can fornicate themselves with an iron stick."` | Usage example without bracket links, when present. |
| `words_of_the_day[].meaning` | string | `"NYC people who migrate north to Quahog, RI to see the leaves in the fall."` | Definition without bracket links. |
| `words_of_the_day[].thumbs_up` | integer | `0` | Number of thumbs-up votes shown. |
| `words_of_the_day[].thumbs_down` | integer | `0` | Number of thumbs-down votes shown. |
| `words_of_the_day[].featured_date` | string | `"2026-09-27"` | Date the word was featured. |
| `words_of_the_day[].definition_link` | string | `"https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=leafers&defid=1050278"` | Link to this definition. |

**Example input**

```json
{
  "max_results": 3
}
```

**Example output**

```json
{
  "words_of_the_day": [
    {
      "word": "leafers",
      "example": "New York and everyone from there can fornicate themselves with an iron stick.",
      "meaning": "NYC people who migrate north to Quahog, RI to see the leaves in the fall.",
      "thumbs_up": 0,
      "thumbs_down": 0,
      "featured_date": "2026-09-27",
      "definition_link": "https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=leafers&defid=1050278"
    },
    {
      "word": "Respectfully",
      "example": "Ya mans is wild buns, respectfully. Respectfully he's washed . After school , The Modells on Jamaica Ave was active. Respectfully.",
      "meaning": "Precedes or follows either a gratuitously disrespectful or honest remark, originated in New York City. Used in similar fashion to \"no offense\" or \"to be honest,\" interchangeably.",
      "thumbs_up": 0,
      "thumbs_down": 0,
      "featured_date": "2026-09-26",
      "definition_link": "https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Respectfully&defid=15592750"
    },
    {
      "word": "You met me at a very Chinese time in my life",
      "example": "Dante: \"I wish I could be Nigerian , but I can't because I'm Chinese . You met me at a very Chinese time in my life.\"",
      "meaning": "A moment in time where you feel distinctly Chinese over all other things.",
      "thumbs_up": 0,
      "thumbs_down": 0,
      "featured_date": "2026-09-25",
      "definition_link": "https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=You+met+me+at+a+very+Chinese+time+in+my+life&defid=18742112"
    }
  ]
}
```

## Quick start

Call the API with a Fous API key (`FOUS_API_KEY`). To create one, turn on Developer mode in Fous Studio, then open Keys & connections → API keys (https://app.fous.com/keys).

```bash
# First set your key: export FOUS_API_KEY='YOUR_FOUS_API_KEY'
: "${FOUS_API_KEY:?Set FOUS_API_KEY before running this example}"

curl 'https://api.fous.com/v1/query' \
  --fail-with-body --silent --show-error --max-time 120 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $FOUS_API_KEY" \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data-raw '{
  "api": "@urban-dictionary",
  "visibility": "public",
  "operation": "define_slang",
  "version": 1,
  "input": {
    "term": "rizz"
  },
  "response": {
    "format": "json"
  }
}'
```

```python
# Save as fous.py and run with python3 fous.py. No packages needed.
# First set your key: export FOUS_API_KEY='YOUR_FOUS_API_KEY'
import json
import os
import urllib.error
import urllib.request

api_key = os.environ.get("FOUS_API_KEY")
if not api_key:
    raise RuntimeError("Set FOUS_API_KEY before running this example")

body = json.loads("{\n  \"api\": \"@urban-dictionary\",\n  \"visibility\": \"public\",\n  \"operation\": \"define_slang\",\n  \"version\": 1,\n  \"input\": {\n    \"term\": \"rizz\"\n  },\n  \"response\": {\n    \"format\": \"json\"\n  }\n}")
request = urllib.request.Request(
    "https://api.fous.com/v1/query",
    data=json.dumps(body).encode("utf-8"),
    headers={
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {api_key}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json",
    },
    method="POST",
)
try:
    with urllib.request.urlopen(request, timeout=120) as response:
        result = json.load(response)
except urllib.error.HTTPError as error:
    raise RuntimeError(f"HTTP {error.code}: {error.read().decode('utf-8', errors='replace')}") from error
if result.get("success") is False:
    raise RuntimeError(result.get("error", {}).get("message", "Request failed"))
print(json.dumps(result["data"]["output"], indent=2))
```

```typescript
// Save as fous.mts and run with npx tsx fous.mts.
// First set your key: export FOUS_API_KEY='YOUR_FOUS_API_KEY'
const apiKey = process.env.FOUS_API_KEY;
if (!apiKey) throw new Error("Set FOUS_API_KEY before running this example");

const response = await fetch("https://api.fous.com/v1/query", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}`,
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  signal: AbortSignal.timeout(120_000),
  body: JSON.stringify({
  "api": "@urban-dictionary",
  "visibility": "public",
  "operation": "define_slang",
  "version": 1,
  "input": {
    "term": "rizz"
  },
  "response": {
    "format": "json"
  }
}),
});
type ApiResult = { success: boolean; data?: { output: unknown }; error?: { message: string } };
const result: ApiResult = await response.json();
if (!response.ok || result.success === false) {
  throw new Error(result.error?.message ?? `HTTP ${response.status}`);
}
if (!result.data) throw new Error("Missing API response data");
console.log(result.data.output);
```

Or describe the data in plain language: send `{"api":"@urban-dictionary","prompt":"Describe the data you need, with every detail"}` to the same URL. Fous fills in the input, runs the method that fits and returns only the fields you asked for; `data.route.calls[].request` is the exact call it made. Routing is free; the run costs the same.

## Use cases

- Research slang meanings and usage examples.
- Compare votes on definitions of a word or phrase.
- Review recent Words of the Day.
- Track featured words and their dates.

## FAQ

### Is Fous affiliated with Urban Dictionary?

No. Fous is not affiliated with Urban Dictionary. This workflow reads the public urbandictionary.com website and returns its data.

### How much does it cost?

Each run costs 1 credit. With pay-as-you-go, a credit costs 1¢; monthly plans cost less per credit.

### Do I need a Urban Dictionary account?

No. You only need a Fous account.

### How current is the data?

Fous gets the data from urbandictionary.com when you run it; repeating the same request within a day may return the saved result. Fous checks this workflow automatically; it last passed a check on Sep 29, 2026.

### What does a slang word or phrase mean?

Define slang returns definitions, examples, votes, authors, and dates for the term you provide.

### Which words were featured as Words of the Day?

List words of the day returns featured words, newest first, with their dates and definition details.

## Related

- [Merriam-Webster API](https://fous.com/workflows/merriam-webster.md): Merriam-Webster provides definitions, pronunciations, examples, word histories, synonyms, antonyms, and related words for publicly listed entries, plus Word of the Day entries for today or published archive dates.
- [Dictionary.com API](https://fous.com/workflows/dictionary-com.md): Dictionary.com provides definitions, pronunciations, audio, examples, and word origins, plus ranked synonyms and antonyms for public Thesaurus.com entries; some word details may be unavailable.
- [Wiktionary API](https://fous.com/workflows/wiktionary.md): A free, multilingual dictionary with word meanings and language information.
- [Cambridge Dictionary API](https://fous.com/workflows/cambridge-dictionary.md): Cambridge Dictionary provides English definitions, examples, grammar labels, and available UK and US pronunciations, plus translations and paired examples for supported languages, reflecting details shown on its pages.
- [Investopedia API](https://fous.com/workflows/investopedia.md): Financial education, investing explanations, and a finance dictionary.
- [Etymonline API](https://fous.com/workflows/etymonline.md): Origins and histories of English words from the Online Etymology Dictionary.
- [Wikipedia API](https://fous.com/workflows/wikipedia.md): Wikipedia returns article summaries, images, facts, relevant search matches, readable text and daily historical events, plus human-view counts from July 2015 onward.
- [WordReference API](https://fous.com/workflows/wordreference.md): Dictionary translations and language reference.
- [All Education workflows](https://fous.com/workflows/category/education)