grime

noun

ˈgrīm 

: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface

broadly : accumulated dirtiness and disorder

grime transitive verb

Synonyms of grime

• dirt
• muck
• soil
• filth

Examples of grime in a Sentence

The windows were coated with grime.

this new product really cuts through grime

Recent Examples on the Web

Many glass cleaners use ammonia to cut through grease and grime, but instead of leaving your appliances polished and shiny, the pungent solution can actually leave a streaky, cloudy sheen on stainless steel. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026

How Washing Machine Seals Collect Grime A washing machine door seal is a prime spot for grime to accumulate because the seal’s tight folds trap hair, lint, and other debris. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Other road and weather factors to consider are heavy thunderstorms and standing water, slick roads from oil and grime after the rain, leaves and debris, as well as occasional ice. — Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Rinse Thoroughly Once the hour is up, remove the bag and turn the water on the flush out the vinegar and grime. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grime

• chime
• chyme
• climb
• clime
• crime
• dime
• lime
• lyme
• mime
• prime
• rhyme
• slime

Kids Definition

grime

noun

ˈgrīm 

: dirt rubbed into or covering a surface

also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder

grime verb

griminess

ˈgrī-mē-nəs

noun

grimy

ˈgrī-mē

adjective