/ dɜːt; NAmE dɜːrt/ 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.
2.
( especially NAmE ) 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.
➡ note at soil
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
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IDIOMS
see dish verb , treat verb
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old Norse drit excrement, an early sense in English .