graffiti

[gruh-fee-tee]

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.

graffiti

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of graffiti¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of graffiti¹

C19: graffito from Italian: a little scratch, from graffio, from Latin graphium stylus, from Greek grapheion; see _graft ¹

Example Sentences

Legendary graffiti artist Chaka and Nike teamed for a massive mural project celebrating the Dodgers’ repeat titles.

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Troops have carried out a variety of tasks, from patrolling the National Mall and Metro stations to picking up trash, removing graffiti, spreading mulch and painting fencing.

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Ms Ahmed's daughter saw the graffiti when on her way to catch her bus to school.

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“The rush of graffiti can’t really be compared to commissioned or gallery work, but this experience came close.”

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Over the last year, Lofranco often posted to Instagram, sharing photos of his outfits, tattoos and graffiti art.

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