grit

noun

\ˈgrit

Definition of grit

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : sand, gravel

b : a hard sharp granule (as of sand) also : material (as many abrasives) composed of such granules

2 : any of several sandstones

3a : the structure of a stone that adapts it to grinding

b : the size of abrasive particles usually expressed as their mesh

4 : firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger managed to survive by his grit and guile

5 capitalized : a Liberal in Canadian politics

grit

verb

gritted; gritting

Definition of grit (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to give forth a grating sound dry snow gritting beneath our feet

transitive verb

1 : to cause (one's teeth) to grind or grate gritted his teeth and faced the challenge

2 : to cover or spread with grit especially : to smooth (a material, such as marble) with a coarse abrasive

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about grit

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Examples of grit in a Sentence

Noun

He shook out his shoes to remove the small rocks and grit. Through resourcefulness and grit, the pioneers survived the winter.

Verb

the crash victim gritted his teeth as a way of coping with the pain

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The dish—which is a permanent fixture on the menu—consists of creamy corn grits, poached eggs, tomatillo salsa, cebolitas asadas and cotija cheese. — Noor Brara, Vogue, "How The Wing's New San Francisco Outpost Is Showcasing the Bay Area's Diverse Culinary Talent," 9 Oct. 2018 But our guys showed great grit, great toughness, great resolve throughout the week. — Josh Robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Shorthanded Magic lose summer league finale to Thunder 87-85," 14 July 2018 What to try: The classics include the Baby Ray (three pieces of chicken smothered with gravy and onions and two waffles); and the Momma White's (one piece of chicken prepared Southern style with grits, two eggs, home fries and toast). — Kellie Hwang, azcentral, "It's National Fried Chicken Day! Phoenix restaurants for best fried chicken," 6 July 2018 Jason Miller Getty Images For the fourth consecutive year, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers will meet in the NBA Finals in what promises to be a battle of skill, grit and, yes, entrepreneurship. — Aric Jenkins, Fortune, "This Year's NBA Finals Are Once Again a Battle of Entrepreneurs," 30 May 2018 This playful process can remind you that every feeling has a dramatic tone and can actually be beautiful, in its grit and its glitter and everything in between. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Monthly Lovescopes October 2018," 3 Oct. 2018 This was far more first season of True Detective, with grit and gore and the kind of hereditary violence that’s all over our screens this year. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Sharp Objects' Cliffhanger Season Finale Is Pure, Confusing Terror," 27 Aug. 2018 Author and longtime Shanghai resident Paul French shares this interest in the city’s historical glitter but is even more captivated by its grit. — Maura Elizabeth Cunningham, WSJ, "‘City of Devils’ Review: Chicago on the Huangpu," 13 July 2018 Their determination, their grit has just been staggering. — Maureen C. Gilmer, Indianapolis Star, "For these ex-offenders, the road to a better life runs through a farm," 18 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

What better way to express that feeling than through images of people gritting their teeth and forging toward their polling place? — Aja Romano, Vox, "The memes of the 2018 midterm elections reflect a feeling of urgency and determination," 6 Nov. 2018 Gone are the days of gritting your teeth through gritty soy lattes to avoid the gastrointestinal effects of lactose and dairy fat; a new, smoother, tastier league of mylks has arrived to appease dairy haters of every ilk. — Marian Bull, GQ, "The Best Non-Dairy Milks for Every Occasion," 12 June 2018 In response, many Russians will be gritting their teeth — and putting on their happy faces. — Samuel Putnam, Washington Post, "Russians don’t smile much, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like you," 30 June 2018 Myers tried to impress with his new team, gritting through an ailing wrist. — Tom Krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "With big salaries coming, Wil Myers getting on track would be big for Padres," 20 June 2018 With teeth gritted, Axe comes this close to taking Frotty Anisman’s money, and selling off a piece of Axe Capital. — refinery29.com, "Billions Season 3, Episode 10 Recap: "Texas Roadkill Chili"," 28 May 2018 Both are upgrades on the floor, and neither will cause the Lakers front office to open Twitter with teeth gritted and one eye closed. — Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, "LaVar Ball's latest bluster shows Los Angeles Lakers need to trade Lonzo Ball," 5 July 2018 Beavers gritted out a 57-54 victory Friday over No. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "Goe: Oregon State women show more grit than flash, but it's enough to beat Arizona State," 12 Jan. 2018 In one of Maye’s pictures, a runner is gritting his teeth midstride while, a few feet behind him, the limo creeps along in ominous pursuit, a ghostly white hand visible in the car’s tinted windows. — Martin Fritz Huber, Outside Online, "The Speed Project: A Crazy, 340-Mile Desert Relay," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near grit

gristmill

grist to one's/the mill

Statistics for grit

Last Updated

29 Nov 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for grit

The first known use of grit was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for grit

grit

noun

English Language Learners Definition of grit

: very small pieces of sand or stone

: mental toughness and courage

See the full definition for grit in the English Language Learners Dictionary

grit

noun

\ˈgrit

Kids Definition of grit

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : rough hard bits especially of sand

2 : strength of mind or spirit He had never learned to run properly, but … no one had more grit than he.— Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia