Graffiti - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT graffiti /grəˈfidi/ /grəˈfiti/ IPA guide

Graffiti is a word, phrase, or image painted or drawn somewhere in public, like on the side of a building or on the walls in a restroom.

Art or vandalism? That’s the debate about graffiti. For some people, graffiti looks ugly and damages the property where it’s left. Others consider graffiti a form of self-expression and a celebration of public spaces. The word comes from the Italian graffito, which means “a scratch,” and like a deep scratch, graffiti can be difficult to remove. It’s also difficult to spell, but remember that there are two fs and only one t and you’ll get it right every time.

Definitions of graffiti

noun a rude decoration inscribed on rocks or walls synonyms: graffito see moresee less type of: decoration, ornament, ornamentation something used to beautify

Pronunciation US /grəˈfidi/ UK /grəˈfiti/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘graffiti'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing graffiti

Language Gone Wrong: Words That Started Out as Errors

Language change is driven by mistakes. If every generation of children learned perfectly what they heard spoken around them, then languages would be exact duplicates of themselves, stretching years into the past. But this isn't what happens. Errors, mishearings, inversion of sounds, dropping and adding of sounds, all these phenomena and more drive historical language change. You'll find a few of these systematic inconsistencies that result in other word forms below, as well as singular instances that don't fit a pattern where linguists can pinpoint exactly what went "wrong."

All American Boys Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

This novel by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely tells the story of Rashad and Quinn, two teenagers whose lives are changed after an incident of police brutality divides their community.

Towers Falling Jewell Parker Rhodes

In this powerful novel, a Brooklyn fifth grader explores the effects of the September 11th terrorist attacks on her family, friends, city, and country.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account