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, griming 

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

Other Word Forms

• grimy adjective
• griminess noun
• ungrimed 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

Skepta - who had already performed earlier with grime collective Boy Better Know, returned to the stage for Shutdown, a rap classic that just so happens to sample an old Drake social media video.

From BBC

Robinson-Foster initially started writing verse as a teenager around 2004, becoming an established performance poet under the name Nee Hi, as well as being part of a grime outfit called Ear 2 da Street.

From BBC

Big Mike stars as Tenzman in Big Man - the first release from the grime star's production company #MerkyFilm and his first lead role.

From BBC

But it was Sutton's guests, grime stars Footsie and Strategy, who took the weekly win to move back to the top of the table with only two weeks to go.

From BBC

For week 36, he takes on grime stars Footsie and Strategy, who are both Manchester United fans.

From BBC

Related Words

• dust 
• filth 
• muck 
• soot