Definition of dirtnext
1
2
as in land
the solid part of our planet's surface as distinguished from the sea and air at the first sound of gunfire we hit the dirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
as in dung
solid matter discharged from an animal's alimentary canal tread carefully, as there's cow dirt all over the pasture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dirt Water parched soil and allow a couple of days for the dirt to absorb the water before proceeding. David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026 To try it yourself, just drop the cotton ball in the bin where the dust and dirt goes. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 2 Apr. 2026 Another image showed just their hands, documenting his scrapes, redness and dirt in his wounds. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 Your Hair Gets Oily The accumulation of sebum, along with dirt, dead skin, and other particles, can lead to an oily appearance in the hair. Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dirt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirt
Noun
  • Once soil health improves, many gardeners find that digging individual planting holes is sufficient for establishing crops.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Mulching your garden also helps your soil stay moist for longer.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Irrigation is crucial in an area that's primarily dry land agriculture.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Another, says Lentsch, was when the Wyoming state senate almost passed SJ2, a bill seeking to transfer all federal land in Wyoming to the state for the purpose of selling it off.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As the men tumbled down the grade’s shoulder into muck and brush, the speeders rammed together.
    Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Volunteers have been showing up from across Oahu and even from other islands to help clear away muck and debris, Pierce said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • If an exclamation point only signified gore and grossness, this gothic rock opera would more than qualify.
    Rachel Simon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The characters’ propensity for ugly faces, silliness and a bit of grossness too, stems from the portrayals of girlhood and young womanhood that appeal to them.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Yes, unfortunately, the ancient Irish did burn cow dung to heat their homes when peat was too expensive or not available.
    David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Of course, the flue was closed, so the fire licked up the walls, left a smell like the fall, like ancient smokehouses and dung.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Harrison Bader and Patrick Bailey drew back-to-back walks to begin the sixth, then Willy Adames plated the Giants’ first run with a one-out ground-rule double.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Those who fly the small, lightweight aircraft of different stripes were restricted for nearly four years from accessing the airport by ground and taking off in their ultralights.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Graywater from showers and kitchens, sewage from onboard systems and industrial runoff can contain chemicals and contaminants that harm marine life and degrade water quality when not treated effectively.
    Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
  • About 18,000 gallons of sewage spilled near the intersection of Friars Road and Sea World Drive after a valve at a pump station failed, officials reported the morning of March 25.
    Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The values are different now, the lifestyles, the accepted vulgarity, the manners, the view of what’s patriotic and what’s not, the concept of service.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
  • It is hoped that political ad campaigns would aim to lessen the meanness and divisiveness and vulgarity that have damaged our democracy.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirt. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dirt

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