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

Store them in dedicated shoe bags Getting dirt and grime from your shoes on your clean clothes won’t end your trip early. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Old food, slime and grime accumulation was observed inside refrigeration units, on the ice scoop lid and on the lid of the ice machine and on a pan holder. — Vince Basada august 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Then, for sticky residue or grime, lightly dampen the microfiber cloth and go over the area a couple more times. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026

From swiping your glass shower door to running a towel around your sink after washing the dishes, a short clean can prevent grime build-up and keep your surfaces spotless. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 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