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

Riley broke through as both a songwriter and performer in 2009, thanks to his collaborations with the grime MC Chip. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026

Besides visible dirt or grime, Shields says there are a few other signs that your towels are destined for the laundry hamper. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026

Maintenance Tips to Keep Screens Looking Fresh Want to keep your screen door looking pollen and grime-free? —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 8 June 2026

For bonus points, assign specific materials to each room or surface in order to prevent the accidental transfer of grime between rooms. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 4 June 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