grubbier; grubbiest
1
: infested with fly maggots
2
3
: worthy of contempt : base
grubby political motives
… became involved in grubby squabbles over money …—
Clive Gammon
Clive GammonExamples of grubby in a Sentence
He lives in a grubby little apartment.
clean off those grubby hands before you touch anything
Recent Examples on the Web
People of stature, who would never otherwise frequent such a grubby establishment, are hurrying through between busses and stop for a bite.
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025
To clean a really grubby baseboard, use a cloth and soapy water to remove dirt and stains.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025
But when a grubby circus impresario, Fulbert Freakfinder, arrives offering Stitch Head a starring role in his freak show, our hero is tempted by the promise of love and acceptance.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
When Ferrara was starting out, private investment in low-budget films was spurred by tax loopholes, a way for doctors, dentists, and racketeers to get rid of extra cash that would otherwise wind up in Uncle Sam’s grubby mitts.
—Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grubby
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025
To clean a really grubby baseboard, use a cloth and soapy water to remove dirt and stains.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025
But when a grubby circus impresario, Fulbert Freakfinder, arrives offering Stitch Head a starring role in his freak show, our hero is tempted by the promise of love and acceptance.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
When Ferrara was starting out, private investment in low-budget films was spurred by tax loopholes, a way for doctors, dentists, and racketeers to get rid of extra cash that would otherwise wind up in Uncle Sam’s grubby mitts.
—Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grubby
Cite this Entry
“Grubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grubby. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share