graffito

noun graf·fi·to \ grə-ˈfē-(ˌ)tō , gra- , grä- \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Editor's Note: graffito Is the Singular Form of Graffiti

Definition of graffito

plural graffiti play \grə-ˈfē-(ˌ)tē, gra-, grä-\

: an inscription or drawing made on some public surface (such as a rock or wall); also : a message or slogan written as or as if as a graffito

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graffitist

play \grə-ˈfē-tist, gra-, grä-\ noun

See graffito defined for kids

Recent Examples of graffito from the Web

Two of his friends, Angel (aka Seen and Esteemed) and Berto (B-Boy-B), went to New York, and returned ready to spread the gospel of hip-hop—and graffiti.

— leor galil, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Hip-Hop / Visual Art Is Logan Square's graffiti permission wall in danger?," 14 June 2018
The building lost nearly all of its windows, its copper roofing was stripped and the stone facade was splashed with graffiti and smashed with sledgehammers.

— dan austin and jc reindl, Detroit Free Press, "Archive: Once crown jewel, Detroit train station now symbol of ruin," 11 June 2018
Billiel included photos showing trash, discarded syringes, graffiti and holes in the playground surface.

— don stacom, Courant Community, "Facebook Complaint Of 'Destroyed' Pope Park Playground Draws Response From City Official," 10 June 2018
Officials also say alcohol, fires, littering, and graffiti are prohibited.

— frank kummer, Philly.com, "No, you can't swim in Devil's Pool at the Wissahickon. Really," 31 May 2018
Days after the shooting, Newport Beach police investigated a threat of violence in graffiti found on a desk in a seventh-grade classroom at Corona del Mar Middle and High School but deemed it not credible.

— priscella vega, latimes.com, "Newport-Mesa will review school safety procedures and policies as concerns grow," 6 Apr. 2018
The Upper Mojave Desert is like some terrifying postapocalyptic dream: abandoned gas stations covered with hieroglyphic graffiti, battered highways streaked with moldering roadkill.

— joe pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "The Rocket Man Who Wants To Beat the Billionaires," 14 Oct. 2015
Emma Kate Fittes/IndyStar Wochit In one Hamilton Southeastern High School class students are trying to save aging shelter dogs from being euthanized, start conversations about diversity at school and legalize graffiti.

— emma kate fittes, Indianapolis Star, "This innovative class in Fishers, Noblesville could start showing up in other schools," 21 May 2018
The town’s pubs — anticipating a ton of visitors for the royal wedding — have also had to cover up the graffiti on their properties.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "Why Is Someone Spray-Painting ‘Fork’ All Around the Royal Wedding Venue?," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'graffito.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

graffito Is the Singular Form of Graffiti

Any casual writing or design marked on a wall is a graffito. Graffiti (the plural of graffito) have been made throughout history; they are found in abundance on the monuments of ancient Egypt. Technically the term applies to a design scratched through a layer of paint or plaster, but its meaning is extended to other markings. Graffiti produced with spray paint became notorious in New York City in the 1970s and have appeared in cities all over the US and Europe. The 20th-century preoccupation with manifestations of the subconscious stimulated this form of expression and produced a vogue for “graffiti art.” Graffiti are sometimes considered a form of folk art.