Graffiti
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈɡɹəˌfiË.ti/
Alternative forms
Origin
Borrowing from it graffiti.
Full definition of graffiti
Noun
graffiti
(uncountable)- (chiefly uncountable) A form of vandalism involving painting text or images in public places.
- (chiefly uncountable) A form of art involving painting text or images in public places.
- (archaeology, countable) Informal inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., as opposed to official inscriptions.
Synonyms
- (archaeology) cave painting
- (art) graffiti art
- (vandalism) defacement
Usage notes
There is no universal singular form to denote a single piece of graffiti. In archaeology, and occasionally elsewhere, graffito is used, reflecting the Italian singular. There is some non-standard usage of graffitus, as though it were Latin (compare focus, plural foci); graffitum, also Latin sounding; and graffiti itself, unmodified.
There is no clear dividing line between graffiti that constitutes art and that consitutes vandalism; in cases where this word may be misinterpreted, consider using a synonym.