graffiti
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for graffiti, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Words, drawings, or designs painted or scratched onto a wall or other public surface, often without permission.
Synonyms
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.
How to use graffiti
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian graffiti, the plural of graffito, from graffire ("to scratch"), ultimately from Ancient Greek graphein ("to write").
Full origin of graffiti →Frequently asked questions
What does “graffiti” mean?
The word “graffiti” means words, drawings, or designs painted or scratched onto a wall or other public surface, often without permission. In plain terms, unauthorized writing or artwork on walls and public surfaces.
How do you pronounce “graffiti”?
“Graffiti” is pronounced gruh-FEE-tee (/ɡɹəˈfi.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “graffiti” in a sentence?
Here is “graffiti” used in a sentence: “The underpass walls were covered in colorful graffiti.”
What part of speech is “graffiti”?
Depending on how it is used, “graffiti” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “graffiti” come from?
The word “graffiti” comes from Ancient Greek. Borrowed from Italian graffiti, the plural of graffito, from graffire ("to scratch"), ultimately from Ancient Greek graphein ("to write").
Is “graffiti” a common word?
“Graffiti” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “graffiti” have?
“Graffiti” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: words, drawings, or designs painted or scratched onto a wall or other public surface, often without permission.
Is "graffiti" singular or plural?
"Graffiti" is treated as an uncountable noun in English, even though it originally comes from an Italian plural form. You say "the graffiti is" rather than "the graffiti are," and there is no separate singular form like "a graffito" in common usage.
Is graffiti always illegal?
Not necessarily. The definition centers on marks made on public surfaces "often without permission," meaning unauthorized graffiti is typically considered vandalism, but some graffiti-style art is commissioned or permitted, such as murals created with a property owner's consent.
What is the difference between graffiti and a mural?
Graffiti generally refers to writing or drawings placed on a surface without permission, often quickly and informally, while a mural is usually a large, planned artwork created with authorization. Some murals borrow graffiti's visual style, but the key distinction is permission and intent.