dingy

adjective

din·​gy ˈdin-jē How to pronounce dingy (audio)
dingier; dingiest
Synonyms of dingy
1
: dirty, unclean
dingy fingernails
2
: shabby, squalid
a dingy hotel room
dingily
ˈdin-jə-lē How to pronounce dingy (audio)
adverb
dinginess
ˈdin-jē-nəs How to pronounce dingy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of dingy

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Examples of dingy in a Sentence

He's been staying in a dingy motel. the bed sheets were pretty dingy so we threw them in the laundry pile
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whites appear dingy, colors become muted, and items overall look dull. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 But while it’s been proven effective at tasks like brightening dingy whites and descaling coffee makers, does vinegar also work on bathroom odors, bacteria, and buildup? — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026 Nothing ages a bathroom like tile that is dingy, dull, or black with mold and mildew. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026 In response, the leader of Arioka orders Kanbei be thrown in the castle’s impeccably dingy dungeon. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dingy

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dingy was in 1656

Rhymes for dingy

See All Rhymes for dingy

Browse Nearby Words

Dingwall
dingy
dinichthyid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dingy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dingy

adjective
din·​gy ˈdin-jē How to pronounce dingy (audio)
dingier; dingiest
: rather dark and dirty : not fresh or clean
a dingy room
dingy colors
dingily
-jə-lē How to pronounce dingy (audio)
adverb
dinginess
-jē-nəs How to pronounce dingy (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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