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

Body oil, dust, soap deposits, dirt and grime from your body that doesn’t make it down the drain can accumulate in tubs and showers that aren’t cleaned on a very regular basis. —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026

Then, using your toothbrush or sponge, start scrubbing the area to remove dirt and grime. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

For wood or wicker items, use warm water and mild dish soap to remove dust and grime. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026

Start by steam-cleaning the frame of the window, then wipe away the grime with a microfiber cloth. —Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 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