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) carchaic : 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>