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.
Once the time is up, Cohoon says to gently rub them together with your hands to clean off the dirt, grime, and residue from your towels. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 May 2025 Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 24 May 2025 Gentle Cleansing Gel is a hard-working but easygoing pick that washes away a day's worth of gunk and grime without stripping. Annie Blackman, Allure, 23 May 2025 Can openers pick up whatever type of grime is present on the tops of cans, which can range from relatively benign dust to more troubling things, like viruses or bacteria from droppings. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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