dirt

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun American English

n. the loose substance on the ground that plants grow in.

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

Español:tierra

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

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

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal

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

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

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

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

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical

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

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

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

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