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

Stick to a regular cleaning schedule each week to prevent buildup of dust, grime, and dirt. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 May 2026

Proper ventilation, daily cleaning sprays, and switching to liquid soap can slow grime and bacteria buildup in your shower. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026

While the norm is that a toner should be an astringent that removes grime and dirt while balancing the pH, Korean toners work to give the skin instant hydration as the first step after cleansing with a face wash. —Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 8 May 2026

The facility’s racks, fan guards, floor, wall panels and inside the refrigerator had old food residue accumulation, grime and mold growth. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 8, Sacbee.com, 8 May 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