grime

[ grahym ]

noun

1. dirt, soot, or other filthy matter, especially adhering to or embedded in a surface.
2. a style of music influenced by rap, ragga, etc., and characterized by lyrics and imagery that reference the dark side of urban life.

verb (used with object)

, grimed, grim·ing.

1. to cover with dirt; make very dirty; soil.

grime

/ ɡraɪm /

noun

1. dirt, soot, or filth, esp when thickly accumulated or ingrained
2. a genre of music originating in the East End of London and combining elements of garage, hip-hop, rap, and jungle

verb

1. tr to make dirty or coat with filth

Derived Forms

• ˈgrimy, adjective
• ˈgriminess, noun

Other Words From

• un·grimed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grime¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English grim; apparently special use of Old English grīma “mask,” to denote layer of dust; compare dialectal Dutch grijm

Word History and Origins

Origin of grime¹

C15: from Middle Dutch grime; compare Flemish grijm, Old English grīma mask

Example Sentences

Major labels weren’t investing in grime - despite hopes they would after Dizzee Rascal's debut record Boy In Da Corner took off the previous year.

From BBC

Widespread filth and grime were found throughout the store and cleaning standards deemed 'not acceptable'.

From BBC

Over the past decade, he has staged concerts based on Stevie Wonder and Nick Drake’s music, as well as Proms dedicated to grime and dance music.

From BBC

Like asking David Attenborough to knock wildlife on the head and try grime music instead.

From BBC

But some on the red carpet think there's still more work to do to promote female talent in grime.

From BBC

Related Words

• dust
• filth
• muck
• soot