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

He makes clear that the eventual titans of streetwear were scrappy entrepreneurs who merged graffiti, break dancing, hip-hop, punk rock and skateboarding, all gestures of rebellion they cleverly merchandised.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

In June 2020 it was scrawled with graffiti accusing Churchill of being a racist, during a Black Lives Matter protest triggered by the death of George Floyd in the US.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

In Barcelona, a black graffiti scrawl has appeared on a long gray wall: “Digital Nomads go home!”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

There are grinning skulls; a ghoulish, blue-skinned woman with glowing yellow eyes; a caricature of a great, horned animal; illegible graffiti signatures; advertisements for local bands and theater productions.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day