Main Entry: dirt

Pronunciation: \ˈdərt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English drit, from Old Norse; akin to Old English drītan to defecate

Date: 13th century

1 a : excrement b : a filthy or soiling substance (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>