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View synonyms for graffiti

graffiti

[ gruh-fee-tee ]

noun

  1. plural of graffito.
  2. (used with a plural verb) markings, as initials, slogans, or drawings, written, spray-painted, or sketched on a sidewalk, wall of a building or public restroom, or the like:

    These graffiti are evidence of the neighborhood's decline.

  3. (used with a singular verb) such markings as a whole or as constituting a particular group:

    Not much graffiti appears around here these days.



graffiti

/ ɡræˈfiːtiː /

plural noun

  1. sometimes with singular verb drawings, messages, etc, often obscene, scribbled on the walls of public lavatories, advertising posters, etc
  2. archaeol inscriptions or drawings scratched or carved onto a surface, esp rock or pottery
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage Note

In formal speech and writing graffiti takes a plural verb. In less formal contexts it is sometimes considered a mass noun and is used with a singular verb. The singular graffito is found mostly in archaeological and other technical writing.
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Derived Forms

  • grafˈfitist, noun
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Other Words From

  • graf·fitist noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of graffiti1

1850–55; < Italian, plural of graffito incised inscription or design, derivative with -ito -ite 2 of graffiare to scratch, perhaps influenced by presumed Latin *graphīre to write; both probably derivative of Latin graphium stylus < Greek grapheîon; graphic, grapho-, graft 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of graffiti1

C19: graffito from Italian: a little scratch, from graffio, from Latin graphium stylus, from Greek grapheion; see graft 1
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Example Sentences

Davids told the BBC his love of art was first sparked when he was a "graffiti artist" when he was younger.

From BBC

Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett attended the prayer and called the graffiti “hateful.”

In recent months, there have been a series of arson and graffiti incidents involving homes, cars, and synagogues in Jewish communities across Australia.

From BBC

In recent months, there have been a several of arson and graffiti incidents involving homes, cars, and synagogues in Jewish communities across Australia.

From BBC

Reflecting on the tumultuous ups and downs of his naturalization battle, he recalls finding his footing in the world of art — through graffiti.

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Gräfenberg spotgraffito