Gradgrind

noun

Grad·​grind
ˈgradˌgrīnd
plural -s
: one that is patently and usually as a matter of outspoken policy marked by a materialistic and philistine outlook : an uninspired and assiduous seeker after facts
Gradgrindian
-dēən
adjective
Gradgrindish
-dish
adjective

Word History

Etymology

after Thomas Gradgrind, a materialistic hardware merchant in the novel Hard Times (1854) by Charles Dickens †1870 English novelist

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Gradgrind

Cite this Entry

“Gradgrind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gradgrind. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!