English Reference
noun

dirt

n.
US /ˈdɝt/ UK /dˈɜːt/ dirt UK spelling dirts

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    any substance like mud, dust, or grease that makes something look messy or unclean.

    any foul or filthy substance, such as mud, dust, or excrement, that soils a surface or object.

    Simple

    He wiped the dirt off his shoes before walking into the house.

    In context

    The industrial machinery was encrusted with a thick layer of dirt and grease that required specialized solvents to remove.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary American English

    the loose substance on the ground that plants grow in.

    loose earth or soil, particularly when considered as a substance rather than a specific location.

    Simple

    The children were playing in the dirt with their toy trucks.

    In context

    The gardener mixed organic compost into the dry dirt to ensure the new saplings would have enough nutrients to survive the winter.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    secret or unpleasant information about someone that could damage their reputation.

    scandalous or damaging information, rumors, or secrets concerning a person's private life or past actions.

    Simple

    The tabloid newspaper tried to find some dirt on the famous actor.

    In context

    During the heated election campaign, both candidates hired private investigators to dig up dirt on their opponents' financial histories.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    earth or gravel that contains valuable minerals before it is washed or processed.

    in placer mining, the earth, gravel, or mixed material before it has been washed to extract gold or other minerals.

    Simple

    The miners spent all day shoveling dirt into the sluice box to find gold.

    In context

    The efficiency of the operation depended on the volume of auriferous dirt the crew could process before the seasonal rains flooded the valley.

    paydirtgravel
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated