grunge

play

noun \ ˈgrənj \

Definition of grunge

1 :one that is grungy

2 :rock music incorporating elements of punk rock and heavy metal; also :the untidy fashions typical of fans of grunge

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grunger

\ˈgrən-jər\ noun

See grunge defined for English-language learners

Examples of grunge in a Sentence

I'm a fan of grunge.
I cleared the grunge out of the drains.

Recent Examples of grunge from the Web

In professorial culture, teaching is viewed as grunge work, grin-and-bear-it toil.

— jacques berlinerblau, Washington Post, "Starting a college admission search? Here are a professor’s tips.," 26 Aug. 2017
While grunge was dominating the rock world, No Doubt brought a different sound to mainstream radio.

— cleveland.com, "20 great '90s bands the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should induct," 17 Aug. 2017
Singer Isis Queen wears the '90s grunge bandleader badge well, with a voice somewhere between Courtney Love and Evanescence's Amy Lee.

— jessi roti, chicagotribune.com, "In its 23rd year, Warped Tour sticks to what it knows," 18 July 2017
Born in 1964 and musical from an early age, Chris Cornell helped form grunge band Soundgarden in Seattle in 1984, ultimately hitting the road with Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd.

— kate hogan, PEOPLE.com, "Chris Cornell's Life in Photos," 12 July 2017
As relevant as: Nirvana to the commercial rise of grunge.

— paul schrodt, GQ, "Every Game of Thrones Nude Scene, Ranked by Whether Anyone Really Needed to Be Naked," 11 July 2017
Serving as a melting pot for punk, grunge, and alternative rock, indie music brings its own distinctive breed of sound that has a knack for surprising and delighting listeners.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Everything you need to know about Sloss Fest," 6 July 2017
The group's punkish distortion gave rise to grunge (and fashionable flannel, never mind that flannel is just logical clothing in the Pacific Northwest).

— lisa respers france, CNN, "Hanson's 25th anniversary tour means you're old," 4 July 2017
Last year the grunge legend was prescribed Ativan as a sleep aid but recently still seemed deprived of rest.

— janine rubenstein, PEOPLE.com, "Chris Cornell’s Widow Vicky Opens Up About His Addiction Battle and Final Night: ‘He Didn't Want to Die’," 28 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of grunge

back-formation from grungy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1965

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GRUNGE Defined for English Language Learners

grunge

play

noun

Definition of grunge for English Language Learners

: a type of loud rock music that was popular especially in the early 1990s; also : the fashions associated with this type of music
: heavy dirt

Learn More about grunge

See words that rhyme with grunge Britannica English: Translation of grunge for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grunge

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Definition of grunge

grunger

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Origin and Etymology of grunge

GRUNGE Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of grunge for English Language Learners

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