grunge

noun

ˈgrənj How to pronounce grunge (audio)
1
: one that is grungy
2
: rock music incorporating elements of punk rock and heavy metal
also : the untidy fashions typical of fans of grunge
grunger
ˈgrən-jər
noun

Examples of grunge in a Sentence

I'm a fan of grunge. I cleared the grunge out of the drains.
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.
That grunge and that messiness. — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 18 June 2026 The bubbly pink-loving teen quickly finds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear flannel. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 The singer stole the spotlight, sporting flowers in her hair, chunky shoes and a babydoll dress long before Hole frontwoman Courtney Love would make the look a grunge staple. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 On Nia Archives’ second album, Emotional Junglist, jungle’s pop princess folds surf, pop-rock, and grunge into high-octane breaks. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grunge

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from grungy

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grunge was in 1965

Rhymes for grunge

See All Rhymes for grunge

Browse Nearby Words

Grünewald
grunge
grungy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grunge. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on grunge

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grunge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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