Grubby means dirty in a way that comes from everyday use, activity, or neglect. When your hands are grubby after playing outside all afternoon, they're covered with a mixture of dirt, sweat, and grime. A grubby baseball cap has collected dust, grass stains, and finger smudges from months of wear.

The word suggests something more than a fresh splash of mud. Grubby things have that lived-in dirtiness: a well-loved stuffed animal that's turned grayish from constant handling, or the kitchen floor after a week without mopping. Your dog might leave grubby paw prints across the floor, or you might notice your younger sibling's grubby fingerprints all over the refrigerator door.

Unlike words like filthy or disgusting, grubby isn't usually dramatic. It describes the ordinary dirt that accumulates from use and activity. A grubby sweatshirt isn't ruined; it just needs a good wash. The word can also describe something shabby or run-down, like a grubby apartment building with peeling paint and tired carpets.