dirt

Universal Words noun [U] 1 any substance that makes sth dirty, for example dust, soil or mud: His clothes were covered in dirt. * First remove any grease or dirt from the surface. * The problem with white is that it soon shows the dirt. 2 (especially AmE) loose earth or soil: He picked up a handful of dirt and threw it at them. * Pack the dirt firmly round the plants. * They lived in a shack with a dirt floor. 3 (informal) unpleasant or harmful information about sb that could be used to damage their reputation, career, etc: Do you have any dirt on the new guy? 4 (informal) = EXCREMENT: dog dirt IDIOMS see DISHv., TREATv.