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

This single-step method addresses both mineral buildup and everyday grime. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 25 Jan. 2026

Newer and older cars can have door seals that stick, possibly because of a combination of grime and frozen moisture. —Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026

If a mess does happen, clean up spills or messy bakes early so that grime and grease don’t build up. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026

Many shower curtain liners can be washed in the washing machine with baking soda to bust through tough grime and mildew and a towel to keep the liner from wrinkling. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 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