grout

1 of 2

noun

ˈgrau̇t

: thin mortar used for filling spaces (such as the joints in masonry)

also : any of various other materials (such as a mixture of cement and water or chemicals that solidify) used for a similar purpose

: plaster

: lees

grout

2 of 2

verb

grouted; grouting; grouts

transitive verb

: to fill up or finish with grout

: to fix in place by means of grout

grout a bolt into a wall

grouter noun

Examples of grout in a Sentence

Verb I need to grout the bathroom tiles.

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.

Noun

Grubby-looking grout: Even with frequent sweeping, crumbs and dirt can settle between tiles. —

Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025 After cleaning and patching the existing grout, allow the grout lines to fully dry. —

Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025

Verb

Bold Grout Another factor contributing to the decline of tiled countertops is a general aversion to grout. —

Amanda Lauren, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 As with countertop tiles, don’t neglect the stains that stick to grout. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grout

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English grut, grout "crushed grain for malt, infused malt, thick, dark ale, mud, slime," going back to Old English grūt "coarse meal, dregs, spent malt after brewing," going back to Germanic *grūta- (whence also Middle Dutch grute, gruut "herb mixture used in beer brewing," Middle High German grūz "a grain, grain of sand"), lengthened zero grade noun derivative from *greutan- "to grind, crush" — more at grit entry 1

Note: Sense 1, which first appears in the seventeenth century, is of uncertain relation to the earlier senses and perhaps of independent origin. Oxford English Dictionary, first edition, suggests a connection to Middle French (Limousin) grouter "to rough-cast," Limousin Occitan greutā, but this isolated word, itself of unknown origin, is of unlikely relevance.

Verb

derivative of grout entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of grout was in 1638

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Grout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grout. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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grout

noun

verb

Examples of grout in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near grout

Cite this Entry