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

In the kitchen, the steamer can effortlessly cut through grease and grime on your stovetop, oven and backsplash. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025

Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025

The inspector noticed slimy matter and black grime inside the ice machine, and cockroaches, maggots and ants on the floor. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2025

To try it for yourself, spray some onto a microfiber cloth and wipe visible grime, going in the direction of the stainless steel grain. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025

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