graffito

[ gruh-fee-toh ]

noun

, plural graf·fi·ti [gr, uh, -, fee, -tee].

1. Archaeology. an ancient drawing or writing scratched on a wall or other surface.
2. a single example of graffiti.

Usage Note

See graffiti.

Word History and Origins

Origin of graffito¹

graffiti

Example Sentences

“Thus, the monk drew a graffito of a cross onto the wall, accompanied by a prayer with which he was very familiar.”

From Washington Times

Their theory also fit with an ancient graffito found in Puteoli, Italy, depicting a crucified individual, with a woman’s name, Alkimila, above a shoulder.

From Washington Post

Ben Stones’s imposing concrete set includes the signature graffito, “I love you, will u marry me,” that was painted on a concrete bridge of the housing project in 2001 and became an unlikely Sheffield icon.

From New York Times

The graffito was painted over regularly, only to magically reappear.

From Washington Post

Last month I was able to solve the mystery of a graffito on an I-66 overpass that drivers have seen for decades.

From Washington Post