dirt
Dirt is the stuff that comes from our environment. It can take the form of dust, sand, soil, pollution, or the breakdown of organic matter from plants, animals, and rocks.
- 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. In some cases, it sounds more professional to say “soil,” but either word is a good choice.
- Raya planted some seeds in the dirt. (She planted some seeds in the soil.)
- 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.
- She picked up some 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.)
- That was a dirty trick. (That was unfair.)
d. expressions
- The family that lives in this house is dirt poor.
First published on September 25, 2025