grime

noun

: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface
broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime transitive verb

Examples of grime in a Sentence

The windows were coated with grime. this new product really cuts through grime
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cleaning involves removing surface dirt, sweat and grime and can be done using a mild detergent and water. Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025 Similarly, soap scum, moisture, and grime can seep into the grout in the bathroom, staining and discoloring the grout lines. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025 The vinegar will break down any remaining bits of food, grease, soap scum, residue, and any other leftover grime. Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 15 Jan. 2025 And use a disinfectant to clean the underside of your tables and bar tops, to avoid dust, grime, and other nasty germs from touching your legs and clothes. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grime 

Word History

Etymology

Middle Dutch grime soot, mask; akin to Old English grīma mask

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grime was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near grime

Cite this Entry

“Grime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grime. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

grime

noun
: dirt rubbed into or covering a surface
also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder
grime verb
griminess
ˈgrī-mē-nəs
noun
grimy
ˈgrī-mē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on grime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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