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

The spritz gets rid of grease and grime and works on most surfaces in your kitchen and beyond. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026

Cream and white bouclé sofas are especially prone to showing spills, grime and dye transfer from clothing. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

The budget-friendly cleanser is formulated for normal to dry skin types and provides a gentle cleanse that still lifts makeup, residue, and other grime of the day. — Jessie Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

The heavier the grime, the longer the container should remain in the oven. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 22 July 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