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

Food grime and oil residue was found on the grill line and fryer station. — Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026

This includes the buildup of grime, mold and mildew, as well as staining. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

For any areas with mold or mildew buildup, or tough grime, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026

Using a disinfectant on a surface still covered with grease, grime or chicken slime will keep the chemical from reaching — and killing — the germs underneath unless the surface is first thoroughly cleaned. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 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