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

Simple tasks like tackling odors, dirt, and grime don't require much time or effort but can significantly impact your home's cleanliness. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026

Regularly dusting your door frames can prevent buildup, and furniture polish can help keep grime away even longer. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026

Although the front glass element is the primary area that needs cleaning, other parts of the lens can also accumulate dust and grime. —Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026

The focus is no longer on simply clearing debris, but rather cleaning grime and oil buildups. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 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