filth

noun

ˈfilth 

1

: foul or putrid matter

especially : loathsome dirt or refuse

2

a

: moral corruption or defilement

b

: something that tends to corrupt or defile

Synonyms

• dirt
• muck
• soil
• sewage
• sludge
• garbage
• grime

Examples of filth in a Sentence

He emerged from the cellar covered in filth.

the filth of the slaughterhouse

living in filth and squalor

Recent Examples on the Web

For the last few weeks, my TikTok feed has been mired in country music filth. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 14 Aug. 2025

Ultimately, as power slips away like a wet bar of soap, the filth that can no longer be cleansed ensures Richard’s satisfying demise. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 July 2025

There are shots of a flooded nursery, Mickey Mouse cribs rippling in filth. —Ariel Saramandi, The Dial, 29 July 2025

This habitual house of filth can be found under Y & C Restaurant and, with this record, the owners should want inspection details hidden under a different name. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fȳlth, from fūl foul

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for filth

• tilth

Kids Definition

filth

noun

ˈfilth 

1

: disgusting dirt or waste

2

: something that tends to disgust, offend, or dirty