B1noun1K

Dirt

UK /["/dɜːt/"]/US /["/dɜːrt/"]/

Definition

any substance that makes something dirty, for example dust, soil or mud

In simple words: A loose soil or earth.

Examples

The kids got dirt all over their clothes while playing outside.
There was so much dirt on the windows that we couldn't see through them.
He tried to cover up the dirt about his past.
After the rain, the dirt path became muddy and difficult to walk on.
They wanted to keep the dirt from their gardening project organized in bags.
The detective gathered all the dirt he could find on the suspect.
The construction company moved tons of dirt to level the ground for the new building.
Make sure to wash your hands after playing in the dirt.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation. Appropriate in casual settings. Avoid in formal writing or discussions unless referring to specific contexts like gardening or geology.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'dirt bike' kicking up dust — dirt is everywhere!

Collocations

excess
loose
ingrained
speck
streak
layer
be covered in
be covered with
brush off
accumulate
cover
fleck
particle
speck
excess
loose
soft
layer
be covered in
be covered with
dig
course
driveway
lane
in the dirt
have
get
dig
dirt on
dish the dirt

Synonyms

soil
earth
mud
grime
filth

Antonyms

clean
purity
clarity

Common mistakes

Confused with 'earth' when referring to specific soil types.
Used inappropriately in formal contexts.
Assumed to only mean 'unclean' instead of 'soil' or 'earth'.