grimy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈgrī-mē 

grimier; grimiest

: full of or covered with grime : dirty

wiped his grimy hands

griminess noun

griminess

2 of 2

noun

grim·​i·​ness

-mēnə̇s, 

-min-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being grimy

Synonyms of grimy

Adjective

• filthy
• dusty
• dirty
• blackened
• stained
• muddy
• black

Examples of grimy in a Sentence

Adjective

this mirror is so grimy you can barely see your reflection in it

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

How Often To Clean Porch Railings Weather, pollen, pollution, birds, and grimy hands can leave your porch railings looking dirty, and that’s not a very welcoming sight for visitors or family members coming into your house. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

In an Atlantic essay, Wight recalled finding a mechanic reading Thucydides on the grimy floor of his shop, a bare bulb illuminating his page. — Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

The concept survived the hedonistic ’80s, the grimy ’90s, and the low-rise aughts only to reemerge in the social media age with a new name and a more sinister purpose. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 14 July 2026

Speaking of being grimy — you were also really affected by Burning Man. — Michelle Tea, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grimy

• slimy