Entry Word: dirt

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the loose surface material in which plants naturally grow <dig into the dirt to a depth of about three inches>

Synonyms earth, ground, soil

Related Words clay, duff, dust, gravel, humus, loam, loess, marl, mud, sand, silt, subsoil, topsoil

2 the solid part of our planetʼs surface as distinguished from the sea and air <at the first sound of gunfire we hit the dirt> — see earth 2
3 foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something <thereʼs some dirt on your shoes> — see filth 1
4 the quality or state of being obscene <appalled by the dirt in the authorʼs novels> — see obscenity 1