dirt
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for dirt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Soil, earth, or any unclean substance on a surface.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use dirt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
covered in dirt
dig up dirt
dirt road
kick up dirt
Etymology
From Old Norse drit, meaning "excrement" — the word originally referred to dung before shifting to its modern sense of "soil" or "filth."
Full origin of dirt →Frequently asked questions
What does “dirt” mean?
The word “dirt” means soil, earth, or any unclean substance on a surface. In plain terms, loose soil or grime, or (informally) scandalous information about a person.
How do you pronounce “dirt”?
“Dirt” is pronounced durt (/dɝt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dirt” in a sentence?
Here is “dirt” used in a sentence: “The children came in covered in dirt after playing outside.”
What part of speech is “dirt”?
“Dirt” is a noun.
Where does the word “dirt” come from?
The word “dirt” comes from Old Norse.
Is “dirt” a common word?
“Dirt” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “dirt” have?
“Dirt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: soil, earth, or any unclean substance on a surface.
What is the difference between "dirt" and "soil"?
Both can mean earth, but "soil" is the more neutral or scientific word, especially for the ground in which plants grow. "Dirt" is more casual and often suggests something unclean, such as dirt on your shoes or on a surface.
What is the difference between "dirt" and "dust"?
"Dust" is fine, dry particles that settle on surfaces or float in the air. "Dirt" is broader and can mean soil, mud, or any unclean substance on a surface, often heavier and more visible than dust.
Is "dirt" countable or uncountable?
"Dirt" is an uncountable (mass) noun, so you say "some dirt" or "a bit of dirt" rather than "a dirt" or "dirts." To count it, use a phrase like "a speck of dirt" or "a pile of dirt."
