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.
The ceremony honors homegrown and international artists from diverse scenes including hip-hop, R&B, grime, jazz, and Afrobeats. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025 This handheld steam cleaner can lift grime from tile, grout, glass, and even upholstery, while this electric pressure washer does the same for your home’s exterior. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2025 From swiping your glass shower door to running a towel around your sink after washing the dishes, a short clean can prevent grime build-up and keep your surfaces spotless. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025 There are two basic approaches for this: Sprinkle on a powder that absorbs smells and some grime, then vacuum that off. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 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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