grime

Everyday

1. Dirt that has built up in a thick, sticky or black layer on a surface or skin: «the grime on the windows». tree →
2. (music) Grime is a style of fast rap music that started in London around 2002. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life grime is the dirt you scrub off old windows, ovens or hands after mending a bike. In stories about Victorian cities it shows smoke, soot and poverty. Adjective: grimy.

Examples

• The windows were black with grime. tree →
• He scrubbed the grime off his hands. tree →
• Years of grime covered the old painting. tree →
• Victorian chimney sweeps were covered in soot and grime. tree →
• The cleaner wiped away the grime from the oven. tree →
• My cousin listens to grime and drill music. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «a lot of grime», not «grimes». Adjective: grimy. Don't confuse with «crime» or «grim» (serious, gloomy).