graffiti: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is usually treated as an uncountable/mass noun (like 'art' or 'information'), so singular verbs are most common: 'The graffiti is new.' The original Italian plural 'graffiti' vs. singular 'graffito' is rarely observed in everyday English.

No. While most graffiti is created without property owner permission (and is thus illegal vandalism), there are sanctioned graffiti walls, commissioned street art, and legal murals that use graffiti styles.

'Graffiti' often emphasises text-based tags, throw-ups, and stylised writing, sometimes with no intent beyond marking territory. 'Street art' is a broader term encompassing murals, stencils, and paste-ups with more explicit artistic or communicative intent. The terms often overlap.

Yes, informally (e.g., 'They graffitied the wall'). It is considered a back-formation from the noun and is more common in speech than in formal writing.

Writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.

Graffiti is usually informal, but widely used in formal contexts when discussing art, sociology, or urban issues. in register.

Graffiti: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrəˈfiːti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrəˈfiːti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.