grime

noun

Synonyms of grimenext
: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface
broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime transitive verb

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.
These quiet and efficient machines pick up gunk and grime, scrub surfaces, and keep the whole thing looking great. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026 His father would sit in a chair and clean them with baby oil and a pin to scrape the grime from every last groove. Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 18 May 2026 Pick up any grime the steam loosened up and wipe down the tiles as well as the grout. Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 18 May 2026 Dirt, grime, pollen, and debris can build up over time, leaving outdoor spaces looking dull right when patios, porches, and backyards are about to get the most use. Shelby Deering, Southern Living, 18 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grime. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

grime

noun
: dirt rubbed into or covering a surface
also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime verb
griminess
ˈgrī-mē-nəs
noun
grimy
ˈgrī-mē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on grime

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster