grime

noun

ˈgrīm 

: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface

broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder

grime transitive verb

Synonyms of grime

• dirt
• muck
• soil
• filth

Examples of grime in a Sentence

The windows were coated with grime.

this new product really cuts through grime

Recent Examples on the Web

From kitchen surfaces that collect crumbs to bathroom surfaces that accumulate bacteria and grime, certain spots around your home need routine cleaning to stay fresh and hygienic. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026

Deep clean weekly or monthly, depending on use, to remove hidden grime and odors. —Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 23 May 2026

Baking soda can also help absorb odors and loosen grime. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 May 2026

Perceived shortcomings—tape hiss, voice cracks—sound more intentional, their grit and grime an active choice rather than an economic necessity. —Arielle Gordon, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle Dutch grime soot, mask; akin to Old English grīma mask

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grime

• chime
• chyme
• climb
• clime
• crime
• dime
• lime
• lyme
• mime
• prime
• rhyme
• slime

Kids Definition

grime

noun

ˈgrīm 

: dirt rubbed into or covering a surface

also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder

grime verb

griminess

ˈgrī-mē-nəs

noun

grimy

ˈgrī-mē

adjective