# muck

/ˈmək/ (US) · /mˈʌk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/muck
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

dirt, mud, or waste that is wet and sticky. You often use this word to describe something messy or gross, like animal waste on a farm.

For teachers: moist, sticky matter such as mud, dirt, or animal excrement. Often carries a derogatory or informal tone when referring to general filth or low-quality substances.

## Examples

- The dog came inside covered in muck from the garden.
- After the heavy rain, the farmyard was a sea of muck that made walking nearly impossible.
- The investigative report aimed to scrape away the muck of political corruption to reveal the systemic bribery occurring within the city council.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the idiom 'muck in' (to help out) or 'muck up' (to ruin something).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.