dirty
1 of 3adjective
ˈdər-tē 
dirtier; dirtiest
1
a
: not clean or pure
dirty clothes
dirty fingernails
b
: likely to befoul or defile with a soiling substance (such as mud, dust, or grime)
dirty jobs
c
: contaminated with infecting organisms
dirty wounds
d
: containing impurities
dirty coal
2
a
: morally unclean or corrupt: such as
(1)
: indecent, vulgar
dirty jokes
a dirty movie
(2)
: dishonorable, base
a dirty trick
(3)
: unsportsmanlike
dirty players
b
: acquired by disreputable or illegal means : ill-gotten
dirty money
c
: disagreeable, distasteful, or objectionable but usually necessary (as in achieving a desired result)
hired a thug to do their dirty work
3
a
: abominable, hateful
war is a dirty business
b
: highly regrettable
a dirty shame
c
: likely to cause disgrace or scandal
dirty little secrets
4
: foggy, stormy
dirty weather
5
a
of color : not clear and bright : dullish
dirty blond
b
music : characterized by a husky, rasping, or raw tonal quality
dirty trumpet tones
6
: conveying ill-natured resentment
gave him a dirty look
dirtily
ˈdər-tə-lē
adverb dirtiness
ˈdər-tē-nəs
noun dirty
2 of 3adverb
dirtier; dirtiest
: in a dirty (see dirty entry 1) manner: such as
a
: deceptively, underhandedly
fight dirty
b
: indecently
talk dirty
dirty
3 of 3verb
dirtied; dirtying
transitive verb
1
: to soil with a substance (such as mud or grime) : to make dirty (see dirty entry 1)
dirtied my new shoes
2
a
: to stain with dishonor : sully
tried to dirty his reputation
b
: to debase by distorting the real nature of
… their religion took most of the rural whites' pleasures away from them, dirtying sex and the human body until it was a nasty thing …—
Lillian Smith
Lillian Smithintransitive verb
: to become soiled
Synonyms
Adjective
- bedraggled
- befouled
- begrimed
- bemired
- besmirched
- black
- blackened
- cruddy
- dingy
- draggled
- dusty
- filthy
- foul
- grimy
- grotty [chiefly British]
- grubby
- grungy
- mucky
- muddy
- nasty
- smudged
- smutty
- soiled
- sordid
- stained
- sullied
- unclean
- uncleanly
Verb
- befoul
- begrime
- bemire
- besmirch
- blacken
- daub
- distain [archaic]
- foul
- gaum [dialect]
- grime
- mire
- muck
- muddy
- smirch
- smudge
- soil
- stain
- sully
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective All my socks are dirty. Try not to get your clothes dirty. I can't breathe this dirty city air. The baby has a dirty diaper. I hate listening to his dirty jokes. Adverb Watch out for her. She plays dirty. He usually wins because he fights dirty. Verb Take off your shoes to keep from dirtying the floor. Her fingers were dirtied with ink. See More
Recent Examples on the WebRolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2023 Your guy loves to cook, loves to travel, loves you — but really, really doesn’t like to get dirty. —Lindsay Tigar, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2023 Baseball caps, whether worn for sport, for work, or for fashion, can get very dirty, very fast. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2023 There are plenty of ways to get dirty, but the Mercedes-Benz G-class is truly the fanciest way to crawl through the muck. —Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 19 Jan. 2023 Plus, your cutting board will be the only thing that gets dirty. —Alisa Bowman, SELF, 23 Dec. 2022 If Iran gets dirty with Pulisic, say, or is time wasting late, the Americans need to keep their emotions in check. —Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2022 Getting the fern meant getting dirty, showering again and changing clothes twice. —Julie Buckner Armstrong, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2022 Everyone needs a Carhartt jacket in their arsenal, for getting dirty during yard work and not giving their clothing a second thought. —John Thompson, Men's Health, 18 Nov. 2022 Ray Magliozz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2020 Time, 23 Jan. 2023 So, Dwight’s idea to dirty up the office is not only gross, but also scientifically unsound. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2021 But the best part might be the ceramic-coated glass which is microwave-, oven-, and freezer-safe, so there's no need to dirty up unnecessary dishes when reheating meals. —Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2022 The breeze and warm summer air banished moisture and the need to dirty and wash another device. —New York Times, 19 July 2022 Markings on the cup are extra helpful for quick and easy prep, as there's no need to dirty any measuring cups or spoons in the process. —Brigitt Earley, Good Housekeeping, 25 May 2022 Jones includes a recipe for baked pasta that requires you to dirty exactly one pan — a casserole dish — and a small mixing bowl for the topping. —Washington Post, 16 Jan. 2022 Dislikes: Anything that will dirty her pristine white coat. —Scottie Andrew, CNN, 25 Nov. 2021 Refinery emissions dirty the air from the harbor area to the Inland Empire, and regulators have taken too long to get serious about curbing them. —Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2021 See More
Adjective
Get your hands dirty and actually spend one-on-one time together. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2023 Your guy loves to cook, loves to travel, loves you — but really, really doesn’t like to get dirty. —Lindsay Tigar, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2023 Baseball caps, whether worn for sport, for work, or for fashion, can get very dirty, very fast. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2023 There are plenty of ways to get dirty, but the Mercedes-Benz G-class is truly the fanciest way to crawl through the muck. —Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 19 Jan. 2023 Plus, your cutting board will be the only thing that gets dirty. —Alisa Bowman, SELF, 23 Dec. 2022 If Iran gets dirty with Pulisic, say, or is time wasting late, the Americans need to keep their emotions in check. —Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2022 Getting the fern meant getting dirty, showering again and changing clothes twice. —Julie Buckner Armstrong, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2022 Everyone needs a Carhartt jacket in their arsenal, for getting dirty during yard work and not giving their clothing a second thought. —John Thompson, Men's Health, 18 Nov. 2022 Adverb
Carburetors were so crude and gasoline so dirty back in the day, that the small passages inside the carburetor could get blocked up with dirt. —Ray Magliozz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2020 Verb
Hell, maybe therapists should step out of the office and dirty their hands in the muck of their patients’ lives. —Time, 23 Jan. 2023 So, Dwight’s idea to dirty up the office is not only gross, but also scientifically unsound. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2021 But the best part might be the ceramic-coated glass which is microwave-, oven-, and freezer-safe, so there's no need to dirty up unnecessary dishes when reheating meals. —Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2022 The breeze and warm summer air banished moisture and the need to dirty and wash another device. —New York Times, 19 July 2022 Markings on the cup are extra helpful for quick and easy prep, as there's no need to dirty any measuring cups or spoons in the process. —Brigitt Earley, Good Housekeeping, 25 May 2022 Jones includes a recipe for baked pasta that requires you to dirty exactly one pan — a casserole dish — and a small mixing bowl for the topping. —Washington Post, 16 Jan. 2022 Dislikes: Anything that will dirty her pristine white coat. —Scottie Andrew, CNN, 25 Nov. 2021 Refinery emissions dirty the air from the harbor area to the Inland Empire, and regulators have taken too long to get serious about curbing them. —Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
see dirt
Adverb
see dirt
Verb
see dirt
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
circa 1931, in the meaning defined above
Verb
1591, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Phrases Containing dirty
Kids Definition
dirty
1 of 2 adjective ˈdərt-ē
dirtier; dirtiest
1
: not clean
dirty clothes
dirty air
2
: unfair sense 1, dishonorable
a dirty trick
3
: indecent, vulgar
dirty jokes
4
: disagreeable or objectionable but usually necessary (as in achieving a desired result)
had to scrub the floor and do other dirty work
5
: stormy sense 1
dirty weather
6
: not clear in color : dull
a dirty red
7
: showing dislike or anger
a dirty look
dirtily
ˈdərt-ᵊl-ē
adverb dirtiness
ˈdərt-ē-nəs
noun dirty
2 of 2 verb dirtied; dirtying
: to make or become dirty
Medical Definition
dirty
adjective ˈdərt-ē
dirtier; dirtiest
: contaminated with infecting organisms
dirty wounds
dirty 1 of 3
adjective
1
as in filthy
not clean after working in the factory all day, his clothes are very dirty Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- filthy
- dusty
- muddy
- stained
- blackened
- nasty
- black
- grimy
- messy
- smudged
- greasy
- grubby
- unclean
- mucky
- dingy
- soiled
- sordid
- grungy
- smutty
- polluted
- sloppy
- sullied
- grotty
- begrimed
- foul
- uncleanly
- messed
- befouled
- draggled
- besmirched
- cruddy
- bedraggled
- chaotic
- bemired
- confused
- contaminated
- unsanitary
- littered
- impure
- unwashed
- insanitary
- uncleaned
- tainted
- germy
- unsterile
- scruffy
- gunky
- unkempt
- cluttered
- untidy
- defiled
- shabby
- slovenly
- raunchy
- unsterilized
- disheveled
- skanky
- sleazy
- squalid
- scuzzy
- muddled
- sooty
- jumbled
- rumpled
- mussy
- disordered
- disarrayed
- disarranged
- mussed
- dishevelled
- crocked
- fuliginous
- collied
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- clean
- spotless
- pure
- clear
- immaculate
- unsoiled
- unsullied
- ultraclean
- cleaned
- unstained
- stainless
- cleanly
- neat
- tidy
- limpid
- orderly
- spic-and-span
- cleansed
- shiny
- bleached
- spick-and-span
- perfect
- groomed
- bright
- ordered
- untouched
- combed
- sparkling
- whitened
- flawless
- purified
- wholesome
- unpolluted
- unspotted
- untainted
- unblemished
- virgin
- undefiled
- taintless
2
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society some radio stations refused to play the song because of the dirty lyrics Synonyms & Similar Words
- obscene
- vulgar
- pornographic
- filthy
- nasty
- foul
- gross
- blue
- naughty
- crude
- disgusting
- unpleasant
- unacceptable
- suggestive
- raunchy
- trashy
- impure
- gutter
- smutty
- indecent
- offensive
- coarse
- undesirable
- lascivious
- bawdy
- obnoxious
- lewd
- unwanted
- profane
- abusive
- ribald
- wanton
- unprintable
- stag
- infamous
- wicked
- porny
- soft
- broad
- locker-room
- off
- X-rated
- perverted
- salacious
- risqué
- depraved
- kinky
- salty
- low
- scatological
- earthy
- loathsome
- revolting
- indelicate
- barnyard
- repulsive
- objectionable
- racy
- immodest
- unwelcome
- unbecoming
- indecorous
- repugnant
- louche
- off-colored
- gamy
- perverse
- abhorrent
- distasteful
- repellent
- off-color
- scurrilous
- atrocious
- exceptionable
- debasing
- reprehensible
- gamey
- coarse-grained
- censurable
- blameworthy
- blamable
- repellant
- hard-core
- soft-core
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- clean
- wholesome
- decent
- proper
- nice
- prudish
- puritanical
- correct
- polite
- staid
- prim
- innocuous
- priggish
- respectable
- acceptable
- pleasant
- genteel
- straitlaced
- desirable
- appropriate
- seemly
- decorous
- nonobscene
- suitable
- inoffensive
- welcome
- pure
- agreeable
- G-rated
- pleasing
- becoming
- perfect
- straightlaced
- meet
- spotless
- fit
- immaculate
- Victorian
- virginal
- endorsed
- approved
- sanctioned
- indorsed
3
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions they were unknowingly sailing into dirty weather Synonyms & Similar Words
- turbulent
- bleak
- rough
- rainy
- nasty
- snowy
- foul
- raw
- stormy
- inclement
- tempestuous
- windblown
- squally
- murky
- windswept
- hazy
- breezy
- gusty
- cloudy
- misty
- blustery
- blustering
- overcast
- blowy
- foggy
- sunless
- soupy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- bright
- clear
- fair
- sunny
- pleasant
- cloudless
- sunshiny
- unclouded
- peaceful
- serene
- placid
- calm
- clement
- rainless
- balmy
- halcyon
4
as in foul
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport the school is known for the dirty football it plays Synonyms & Similar Words
- foul
- nasty
- unfair
- illegal
- shabby
- shameful
- unsportsmanlike
- low
- dishonorable
- below the belt
- ignoble
- rotten
- unscrupulous
- immoral
- mean
- ungentlemanly
- unjust
- unethical
- unprincipled
- unrighteous
- unchivalrous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- clean
- legal
- fair
- sportsmanlike
- just
- sportsmanly
- moral
- righteous
- ethical
- scrupulous
- honorable
- irreproachable
- unimpeachable
- law-abiding
- principled
5
as in nasty
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency accused the other campaign of playing dirty tricks Synonyms & Similar Words
- nasty
- vile
- immoral
- corrupt
- sordid
- bad
- cruel
- vicious
- dishonorable
- contemptible
- detestable
- ignoble
- despicable
- wretched
- evil
- ignominious
- snide
- mean
- wicked
- base
- low-down
- foul
- wrong
- execrable
- low
- low-minded
- currish
- paltry
- perverted
- iniquitous
- depraved
- debauched
- miscreant
- shameful
- degenerate
- dissolute
- reprehensible
- debased
- unscrupulous
- villainous
- disreputable
- disgraceful
- atrocious
- unprincipled
- unethical
- unworthy
- censurable
- discreditable
- blameworthy
- blamable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- high
- straight
- honorable
- good
- virtuous
- noble
- honest
- lofty
- righteous
- just
- upright
- excellent
- ethical
- moral
- right
- venerable
- scrupulous
- proper
- decent
- respectable
- exemplary
- commendable
- high-minded
- seemly
- reputable
- guiltless
- blameless
- principled
- incorruptible
- irreproachable
- right-minded
- uncorrupted
- unerring
6
as in cheap
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust laying off longtime employees was a dirty way for the company to reduce labor costs and save money Synonyms & Similar Words
- cheap
- nasty
- lame
- pitiful
- disgusting
- wretched
- grubby
- mean
- hateful
- sneaking
- vile
- scabby
- deplorable
- sorry
- ratty
- contemptible
- despicable
- lousy
- scummy
- pitiable
- scurvy
- cruddy
- loathsome
- shameful
- abominable
- paltry
- disgraceful
- revolting
- odious
- shabby
- repulsive
- detestable
- sordid
- disreputable
- repugnant
- abhorrent
- squalid
- dishonorable
- discreditable
- ignoble
- ignominious
- execrable
- condemnable
- craven
- reptilian
- unscrupulous
- cowardly
- reprehensible
- base
- dastardly
- unprincipled
- unethical
- revulsive
- low
- reproachable
- censurable
- blamable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- admirable
- praiseworthy
- honest
- laudable
- meritorious
- honorable
- commendable
- good
- noble
- creditable
- scrupulous
- upright
- reputable
- moral
- right
- virtuous
- righteous
- redoubtable
- ethical
- high-minded
- principled
- right-minded
7
as in corruptible
open to improper influence and especially bribery a movie about a dirty cop paid to protect a mafioso Synonyms & Similar Words
- corruptible
- corrupt
- corrupted
- crooked
- venal
- mercenary
- bribable
- bad
- purchasable
- dishonest
- vicious
- unscrupulous
- hack
- perverted
- depraved
- sleazy
- unprincipled
- unethical
- degraded
- debauched
- sinful
- wicked
- warped
- cutthroat
- degenerate
- evil
- immoral
- unmoral
- dissolute
- debased
- nefarious
- temptable
- defiled
- perverse
- iniquitous
- reprobate
- demoralized
- vitiated
- dissipated
- Machiavellian
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- incorruptible
- honest
- good
- ethical
- scrupulous
- moral
- virtuous
- righteous
- upright
- principled
dirty
2 of 3verb
as in to stain
to make dirty she dirtied her new sneakers when she splashed in the puddle Synonyms & Similar Words
- stain
- mess
- muddy
- muck
- grime
- blacken
- soil
- smudge
- sully
- besmirch
- foul
- mire
- daub
- pollute
- gaum
- begrime
- contaminate
- smirch
- distain
- taint
- befoul
- bemire
- jumble
- disarray
- defile
- disarrange
- disorder
- muddle
- discolor
- dishevel
- colly
- draggle
- confuse
- crock
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- clean
- cleanse
- purge
- decontaminate
- purify
- wipe
- wash
- disinfect
- sweep
- scrub
- dust
- sanitize
- brush
- mop
- rinse
- launder
- scour
- brighten
- freshen
- renew
- spruce (up)
- straighten (up)
- deodorize
- dry-clean
- tidy (up)
dirty
3 of 3adverb
as in illegally
Synonyms & Similar Words
- illegally
- underhandedly
- ignobly
- unethically
- dishonorably
- immorally
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- clean
- fair
- fairly
- legally
- cleanly
- morally
- ethically
- nobly
- honorably
- high-mindedly
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of dirty are filthy, foul, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," dirty emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it or, figuratively, stresses meanness or despicableness.
a dirty littered street
don't ask me to do your dirty work
The words filthy and dirty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, filthy carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears. Figuratively, it can also describe disgusting obscenity.
a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy
filthy street language
The meanings of foul and dirty largely overlap; however, foul implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking; it can also describe, for example, loathsome behavior.
a foul-smelling open sewer
a foul story of lust and greed
Nasty applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness; in practice, however, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable. When used figuratively, nasty implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness.
it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat
had a nasty fall
his answer gave her a nasty shock
a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor
While the synonyms squalid and dirty are close in meaning, squalid adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect. Distinctively, its figurative use implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness.
squalid slums
engaged in a series of squalid affairs