grime

noun

ˈgrīm 

: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface

broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder

grime transitive verb

Synonyms

• crud
• dirt
• filth
• gunk
• muck
• smut
• soil

Examples of grime in a Sentence

The windows were coated with grime.

this new product really cuts through grime

Recent Examples on the Web

Washing away dirt and grime has never smelled so expensive. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

Here's a pretty cool gadget for the woman who has way, way more jewelry than shoes: a case that uses ultrasonic sound waves to shake off dirt and grime from her necklaces, watches, glasses, and more. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2024

Step 2: Disinfect the Sink After cleaning off food particles and grime, spray the sink with hydrogen peroxide. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024

The naked columns of the cathedral soar up to the ceiling; the walls, stripped of centuries of dust and grime, appear brand new. —Joseph Ataman, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle Dutch grime soot, mask; akin to Old English grīma mask

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

grime

noun

ˈgrīm 

: dirt rubbed into or covering a surface

also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder

grime verb

griminess

ˈgrī-mē-nəs

noun

grimy

ˈgrī-mē

adjective