graffiti
Americannoun
-
plural of graffito.
-
(used with a plural verb) markings, as initials, slogans, or drawings, written, spray-painted, or sketched on a sidewalk, wall of a building or public restroom, or the like.
These graffiti are evidence of the neighborhood's decline.
-
(used with a singular verb) such markings as a whole or as constituting a particular group.
Not much graffiti appears around here these days.
plural noun
-
(sometimes with singular verb) drawings, messages, etc, often obscene, scribbled on the walls of public lavatories, advertising posters, etc
-
archaeol inscriptions or drawings scratched or carved onto a surface, esp rock or pottery
Usage
In formal speech and writing graffiti takes a plural verb. In less formal contexts it is sometimes considered a mass noun and is used with a singular verb. The singular graffito is found mostly in archaeological and other technical writing.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of graffiti
1850–55; < Italian, plural of graffito incised inscription or design, derivative with -ito -ite 2 of graffiare to scratch, perhaps influenced by presumed Latin *graphīre to write; both probably derivative of Latin graphium stylus < Greek grapheîon; cf. graphic, grapho-, graft 1
Explanation
Graffiti is a word, phrase, or image painted or drawn somewhere in public, like on the side of a building or on the walls in a restroom. Art or vandalism? That’s the debate about graffiti. For some people, graffiti looks ugly and damages the property where it’s left. Others consider graffiti a form of self-expression and a celebration of public spaces. The word comes from the Italian graffito, which means “a scratch,” and like a deep scratch, graffiti can be difficult to remove. It’s also difficult to spell, but remember that there are two fs and only one t and you’ll get it right every time.
Vocabulary lists containing graffiti
Language Gone Wrong: Words That Started Out as Errors
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
All American Boys
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
List 7
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Graffiti sprayed outside the mosque on Thursday warned: “We are not afraid of Avi Bluth.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025
Graffiti and mural art from Los Angeles artist Saber, also known as Ryan Weston Shook, fill the space.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025
Graffiti and anti-government messages have been spray painted on the exterior.
From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025
Graffiti was painted on three homes in Fort Drive and Forest Drive in the County Londnderry village between 03:00 and 04:00 BST on Tuesday.
From BBC • Aug. 1, 2024
I could only think of the Hillpark Gym Graffiti Incident.
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
