1
a
b
: a filthy or soiling substance (such as mud, dust, or grime)
c
archaic
: something worthless
d
: a contemptible person
treated me like dirt
2
: loose or packed soil or sand : earth
a mound of dirt
a dirt road
3
a
: an abject or filthy state : squalor
living in dirt
b
: corruption, chicanery
vowed to clean up the dirt in the city government
c
: licentiousness of language or theme
d
: scandalous or malicious gossip
spreading dirt about his ex-wife
e
: embarrassing or incriminating information
trying to dig up dirt on her political rivals
Examples of dirt in a Sentence
Pack dirt loosely around the base of the plant.
You've got some dirt on your face.
Their shoes were covered with dirt.
No amount of cleaning will get rid of all this dirt.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dual suspension helps smooth rough trails, hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in changing conditions, and four-inch fat tires improve traction across gravel, dirt, sand, and pavement.
—
New Atlas,
2 July 2026
On the other hand, skunks forage for their favorite food, beetle grubs, by digging in the dirt, as in, digging up your yard.
—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
Kansas Citians used sandbags, broken concrete, mounds of dirt and rocks from local quarries, and junked cars to shore up the levees protecting Municipal Airport and North Kansas City.
—
Kansas City Public Library Staff,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
Today, the circle remains covered by dirt and is outlined by plantings and a railing.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dirt
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New Atlas,
2 July 2026
On the other hand, skunks forage for their favorite food, beetle grubs, by digging in the dirt, as in, digging up your yard.
—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
Kansas Citians used sandbags, broken concrete, mounds of dirt and rocks from local quarries, and junked cars to shore up the levees protecting Municipal Airport and North Kansas City.
—
Kansas City Public Library Staff,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
Today, the circle remains covered by dirt and is outlined by plantings and a railing.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dirt
Cite this Entry
“Dirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirt. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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