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

Because a shower is a humid, moist environment, shower curtains and liners are prone to mold and mildew as well as soap scum and other grime. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026

Over time, grime builds up in the grooves and becomes harder to remove. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026

When playing on a court, dirt, sweat and grime can cause the bottom of an athlete’s shoe to become slippery, and dangerous. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026

Glass patio doors are one of the best features a home can have — until they’re covered in smudges, water spots and a thin film of grime that makes the outdoors look overcast even on a sunny day. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 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