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.
Old food debris / grime / slime / black mold-like accumulation was observed on shelves in the walk-in refrigerator, bulk food containers and the shelves in the chaat refrigerator. — Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Baking soda helps to neutralize odors, break down grime, and enhance the effectiveness of your detergent. — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026 Multiple surfaces in kitchen have an accumulation of food residue, water or grime. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 Dishwasher tablets are formulated with powerful cleaning agents designed to get rid of grease and stubborn food residue, and those same products can also break down laundry detergent buildup and grime. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 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 1 Nov. 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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