graffiti

American  

[gruh-fee-tee] / grəˈfi ti /

noun

1. plural of graffito.

2. (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.

3. (used with a singular verb) such markings as a whole or as constituting a particular group.

   Not much graffiti appears around here these days.

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graffiti British  

/ ɡræˈfiːtiː /

plural noun

1. (sometimes with singular verb) drawings, messages, etc, often obscene, scribbled on the walls of public lavatories, advertising posters, etc

2. archaeol inscriptions or drawings scratched or carved onto a surface, esp rock or pottery

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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

• graffitist noun

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; graphic, grapho-, graft ¹

Example Sentences

On the bridge: shopping bags, a pair of flip-flops, stray clothes scattered at one end, and graffiti everywhere.

From Los Angeles Times

She was originally charged with property damage, but that was amended to a graffiti charge after negotiations with the prosecution, Hill said.

From BBC

The city needs to provide clean sidewalks, street lighting and graffiti removal before consumers and businesses return, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The mall had insufficient exterior lighting, the city said, and graffiti resulting from deferred or neglected maintenance.

From Los Angeles Times

A man has been charged with criminal damage after graffiti was sprayed on the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, police have said.

From BBC