grime

noun

Synonyms of grimenext
: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface
broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime transitive verb

Examples of grime in a Sentence

The windows were coated with grime. this new product really cuts through grime
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To really get rid of all the unwanted dirt and grime, this handy vacuum also uses heat of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to further remove substances and disinfect the fabric. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025 And in time, perhaps Peppermint Patty and Pig Pen (currently, somewhat stomach-churningly, spreading his cloud of grime across boxes of Chocolate Chex) will achieve similar fame. Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025 How To Clean Your Microwave Using Lemon The acidic nature of lemon juice helps break down dirt and grime while also offering a fresh scent, so using a lemon to clean a microwave is an easy choice. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025 Anton Souslov, PhD, a physics professor at the University of Bath, said that ultrasound is used to make fine mist in humidifiers and to clean grime from hard surfaces. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grime

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grime was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grime. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

grime

noun
: dirt rubbed into or covering a surface
also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime verb
griminess
ˈgrī-mē-nəs
noun
grimy
ˈgrī-mē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on grime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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