grimy

adjective

ˈgrī-mē 

grimier; grimiest

: full of or covered with grime : dirty

wiped his grimy hands

griminess noun

Synonyms of grimy

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

Examples of grimy in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The band was an outlier at the grimy local country and bluegrass dive bar CBGB (the members had to convince owner Hilly Kristal to book them). — Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

The great espionage novels of Graham Greene and John LeCarre depicted spycraft as a grimy, compromising business. — Scott Simon, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

That balance of grimy underground clubs and the world’s biggest, glitziest stages is exactly what makes Tinashe such a compelling pop star — and her peers took notice. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026

Use soapy water first on grimy boards, then finish with a dryer sheet. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grimy

• slimy