grunge

noun

ˈgrənj 

1

: one that is grungy

2

: rock music incorporating elements of punk rock and heavy metal

also : the untidy fashions typical of fans of grunge

grunger

ˈgrən-jər

noun

Examples of grunge in a Sentence

I'm a fan of grunge.

I cleared the grunge out of the drains.

Recent Examples on the Web

The grunge guitars, hungover acoustics, and sandpaper drums are elevated by the easy vocal interplay between Venus O’Brion, Jack Medlyn, and Maxwell Elphick. — Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready didn’t really plan to write a graphic novel based on his experiences and those of his friends as the grunge music scene washed over Seattle in the early 1990s. — Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 23 July 2026

Elle takes place as Elle Woods turns 16 years old and is set in 1995—the same year that the world was introduced to Cher Horowitz in Clueless, a year when grunge was giving way to minimalism in fashion and eyebrows were thin and highly arched. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The band was associated with the grunge and riot grrrr scenes, but predated both movements’ mainstream moments. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from grungy

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grunge

• lunge
• plunge
• sponge
• expunge
• muskellunge