grime

noun

ˈgrīm How to pronounce grime (audio)
Synonyms of grime
: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface
broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime transitive verb

Synonyms of grime

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Examples of grime in a Sentence

The windows were coated with grime. this new product really cuts through grime
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The still-pristine white marble stone stood out compared to the neighboring grave, holding Bailey’s sister Eliza, covered in grime and moss collected over the decades. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 Decades of dust, grime, and grease form a layer over the workspaces. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 Clean your bulbs to remove dust and grime that can build up and dim lighting. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2026 Holden’s vignettes are caked in grime and emerge at a reckless pace. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grime

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grime was in the 14th century

Rhymes for grime

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Browse Nearby Words

grimalkin
grime
Grime's ditch
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Cite this Entry

“Grime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grime. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grime

noun
ˈgrīm How to pronounce grime (audio)
: dirt rubbed into or covering a surface
also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime verb
griminess
ˈgrī-mē-nəs
noun
grimy
ˈgrī-mē
adjective
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