WordGarden.iograffiti
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡrəfˈiːti/
US
- /ɡrəˈfiti/
Meanings
Noun
writing or drawings on walls or public surfaces, often made without permission
Verb
to write or draw graffiti on a surface
Beyond the definition
Graffiti is more than random scribbles. It is a public way of leaving words or images on walls and other surfaces, often without permission. Think of the bright murals you might see under bridges or the tags written across brick walls. It has existed since ancient Rome, and today it can range from simple names and phrases to large, colorful works of art. Some people see it only as vandalism, while others see it as a real art form used to show creativity, identity, or a social message. The setting matters: a commissioned mural is not the same as illegally painting a train car.
Graffiti refers to any writing or drawings made on walls, buildings, or other surfaces, usually without permission. It is a practice that stretches back millennia; ancient Romans carved messages into walls, and similar markings have been found in Pompeii and throughout history.
Today, graffiti is often associated with hip-hop culture and urban art movements. It can take many forms: simple "tags" (stylized signatures), elaborate "pieces" (larger, more complex artworks), or even political statements painted in public spaces. The English term comes from Italian, where graffiti is the plural form of graffito, meaning a scratched or inscribed mark.
While often considered vandalism due to its unauthorized nature, graffiti is also a powerful form of self-expression and social commentary. Street artists use it to challenge authority, express their identities, beautify neglected areas, or simply share their creativity with the world. Banksy, for example, is a world-famous artist known for his satirical street art that appears in cities around the globe.
However, it's important to remember that illegal graffiti can be damaging and costly to remove. The line between artistic expression and vandalism is often blurred, sparking debate about its place in public spaces. You might read about "graffiti artists" being commissioned to create murals for businesses or city projects—a clear example of the art form gaining mainstream acceptance.
So, whether you see it as defacement or dynamic art, graffiti remains a visible and controversial part of our urban landscape—a visual voice speaking from the walls around us.
Examples
- 1
Public walls
The walls under the bridge were covered in graffiti.
- 2
City cleanup
The city spends a lot of money removing graffiti from buses and train stations.
- 3
Crime context
He was arrested for spraying graffiti on the side of a school.
- 4
Street art
Some people see graffiti as vandalism, while others see it as street art.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Commissioned art
The restaurant hired a graffiti artist to paint a mural inside the entrance.
See also
Similar
- wall writing
- street art
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- spray-paint graffiti
- graffiti artist
- anti-graffiti coating
- graffiti-covered wall
Word family
- graffito
- graffitiing
Explore
- vandalism
- public art
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- graffitinoun