grubby

¹ American  

[gruhb-ee] / ˈgrʌb i /

adjective

grubbier, grubbiest

1. dirty; slovenly.

   children with grubby faces and sad eyes.

   Synonyms:

   bedraggled, filthy, messy, unkempt, grimy

2. infested with or affected by grubs or larvae.

3. contemptible.

   grubby political tricks.

---

grubby ² American  

[gruhb-ee] / ˈgrʌb i /

noun

plural

grubbies

1. a small sculpin, Myxocephalus aenaeus, inhabiting waters off the coast of New England.

---

grubby British  

/ ˈɡrʌbɪ /

adjective

1. dirty; slovenly

2. mean; beggarly

3. infested with grubs

---

Other Word Forms

• grubbily adverb
• grubbiness noun

Etymology

Origin of grubby¹

First recorded in 1605–15; grub + -y ¹

Origin of grubby²

Origin uncertain

Example Sentences

But he has now set up a new account sharing the same kinds of videos, showing "roadmen" at grubby "infinity pools" and "taxpayer-funded buffets".

From BBC

"Now she has two of our best cheeses in her grubby paws, and we are none the wiser."

From Literature

"I agree," said Specimen, pushing up his thick glasses with a long, grubby forefinger.

From Literature

She might be grubby and awkward on the ground, but in flight, the locals said, Mal Arvorian was a thing worth seeing.

From Literature

I look down the long, grubby platform, squinting to find the station sign.

From Literature

Related Words

• filthy
• grimy
• grungy
• messy
• seedy
• shabby
• soiled
• squalid
• unkempt