Grimy: meaning, definitions and examples

Ideal for describing something covered with a lot of dirt or grime, often implying neglect.

• The windows were so grimy that it was hard to see outside.
• After working in the garden, her hands were grimy.

A general term for anything that is not clean. It can be used for a wide variety of contexts.

• Her clothes were dirty after playing outside.
• The kitchen sink is dirty; it needs to be cleaned.

Particularly used to describe something covered in or resembling soot, often associated with ash or smoke.

• The fireplace left the carpet sooty.
• His hands were sooty after cleaning the chimney.

Typically used to describe something extremely dirty and often has a stronger negative connotation.

• The public restroom was so filthy that she decided to leave.
• The dog rolled in the mud and came back filthy.

Often used for something that is dirty in a minor, typically less severe way, and can sometimes imply untidiness or discomfort.

• His grubby hands left marks all over the wall.
• The kids came back from the park looking rather grubby.

Best for describing something with light, often unintentional, marks or streaks of dirt.

• Her glasses were smudged, making it hard to see.
• There were smudged fingerprints on the mirror.