dirt
Dirt is the stuff that comes from our environment. It can take the form of dust, soil, pollution, and the breakdown of organic matter.
- When I was a kid, I enjoyed playing in the dirt.
- There’s a lot of dirt in the streets.
- The rain washes away the dirt.
- He has dirt on his hands.
- His hands are dirty. (The word “dirty” is an adjective.)
He has dirt on his hands. His hands are dirty.
a. Use "dirt" as a noun.
The words “dirt” and “soil” are similar when talking about the material in which plants are grown. It sounds more professional to say “soil,” but either word is a good choice.
- Raya planted some seeds in the dirt.
- Burt ordered a truckload of dirt for his garden.
- Kids like to play in the dirt.
- The little girl got dirt on her shorts.
- Soap and water are used to get dirt out of clothes.
a. Use "dirt" as a noun.
- She has a handful of dirt.
- He’s digging in the dirt. (dirt = soil)
b. Use "dirty" as an adjective.
This adjective an be used for people or things that are not clean.
- My hands are dirty. I have to wash them.
- These towels are all dirty.
- Their house looks a little dirty. They need to clean it.
- I try to wash my car when it gets dirty.
The word “dirty” is also used for behavior or language that is foul, vulgar, or inappropriate.
- John likes to tell dirty jokes.
- Everyone was surprised to hear Immelda use a dirty word at work.
- That child has a dirty mind.
- It’s very easy to find dirty videos on the internet.
- That’s so dirty!
- That was a dirty trick! (dirty = mean or unsportsmanlike)
b. Use "dirty" as an adjective.
- This basket is full of dirty laundry.
- These dirty clothes are ready to go into a washing machine.
- She wants to do something that is a little dirty.
c. dirt / dirty = something bad
Dirt can be something bad. It might be information, a rumor of bad behavior, or gossip.
- Some politicians try to dig up dirt on their opponents.
- He practices a dirty form of politics.
- They’re about to get down and dirty. (They’re going to have an argument.)
- Javier treats his girlfriend like dirt.
- Some politicians try to spread dirt on their opponents.
c. dirt / dirty = something bad
- Politicians sometimes resort to a dirty form of politics.
- Some politicians are dirty.
- Dirty tricks are used to win elections.
- We have to get the dirt out of politics and government.
d. expressions
Here are some common expressions that include the word “dirt.”
- They hit pay dirt. (They made a lot of money.)
- That family is dirt poor. (dirt poor = extremely poor)
- These shoes are dirt cheap. (dirt cheap = very cheap)
- That guy is older than dirt. (He’s very old.)
d. expressions
- The family that lives in this house is dirt poor.
First published on September 25, 2025