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.
For furniture, a wood cleaner will remove any dirt and grime without harming the surface. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 The grime was exhilarating, and the glamorous boutiques opening between old-world vestiges — hat stores, bridal shops — gave the neighborhood a sense of urgency. Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2025 Another way to clean white leather sneakers that isn’t as traditional is to take a damp magic eraser and rub away any visible dirt or grime on your white leather sneakers, including on the soles of the shoes. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 Any wax or grime on the exterior surface of the aids can be rubbed off with a standard microfiber cloth or an eyeglass cleaning cloth. Christopher Null, Wired News, 22 June 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 4 Jul. 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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