graffiti

[ gruh-fee-tee ]

noun

1. plural of graffito.
2. (used with a plural verb) markings, as initials, slogans, or drawings, written, spray-painted, or sketched on a sidewalk, wall of a building or public restroom, or the like:

   These graffiti are evidence of the neighborhood's decline.

3. (used with a singular verb) such markings as a whole or as constituting a particular group:

   Not much graffiti appears around here these days.

graffiti

/ ɡræˈfiːtiː /

plural noun

1. sometimes with singular verb drawings, messages, etc, often obscene, scribbled on the walls of public lavatories, advertising posters, etc
2. archaeol inscriptions or drawings scratched or carved onto a surface, esp rock or pottery

Usage Note

In formal speech and writing graffiti takes a plural verb. In less formal contexts it is sometimes considered a mass noun and is used with a singular verb. The singular graffito is found mostly in archaeological and other technical writing.

Derived Forms

• grafˈfitist, noun

Other Words From

• graf·fitist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of graffiti¹

1850–55; < Italian, plural of graffito incised inscription or design, derivative with -ito -ite ² of graffiare to scratch, perhaps influenced by presumed Latin *graphīre to write; both probably derivative of Latin graphium stylus < Greek grapheîon; graphic, grapho-, graft ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of graffiti¹

C19: graffito from Italian: a little scratch, from graffio, from Latin graphium stylus, from Greek grapheion; see graft ¹

Example Sentences

Models purposefully walked down the runway in flowing suits of crushed velvet and satin, matching leather mini-shorts and jackets, sequined hot pants and tank top sets in yellow smiley graphics and graffiti print.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Wong was among thousands who held a 15-hour siege of police headquarters in the Wan Chai district, pelting the building with eggs and spraying graffiti on its walls, in June that year.

From BBC

In addition to the arson attacks, Ms Moore said there had also been incidents of "sectarian graffiti" in the area.

From BBC

In February, a crowds swarmed a Waymo car in San Francisco’s Chinatown, scrawling graffiti, smashing windows and setting the vehicle on fire.

From Los Angeles Times

One building was burglarized, and the others were vandalized with broken glass and graffiti.

From Los Angeles Times