Smudge: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about something blurry or smeared, often in the context of ink, makeup, or dirt. It implies something less defined and more spread out than a spot or stain.

• There's a smudge of ink on your finger.
• Her makeup got smudged in the rain.

Used to describe a discolored or dirty mark that is usually difficult to remove. Often has a negative connotation and implies something permanent and undesirable.

• The red wine left a stain on the carpet.
• Those grass stains on your jeans are hard to wash out.

Refers to small, distinct marks, dots, or areas that are different from their surroundings. Can be used in positive or neutral contexts.

• There is a spot of sauce on your shirt.
• Leopards have spots all over their bodies.

Often used to describe larger, irregularly shaped marks or discolored areas, especially on skin or fabric. It usually has a negative connotation implying something unattractive.

• He had a red blotch on his cheek from the sunburn.
• The painter left a blotch of paint on the floor.

Identical to the previous entry for 'smudge'.

• Once again, there's a smudge of dirt on the window. It really needs to be cleaned.
• After eating the chocolate bar, he had a smudge around his mouth.

Refers to a streak or mark made by spreading a substance, such as when something is intentionally or unintentionally rubbed across a surface with some force. It often has a negative connotation, suggesting something messy or done carelessly.

• She accidentally smeared paint on the canvas while she was painting.
• The child smeared peanut butter on the table during lunch.

Refers to a mark that is often difficult to remove, commonly caused by substances like wine, ink, or oil. It usually has a negative connotation, as it implies something permanent or damaging.

• He tried to remove the coffee stain from his shirt but it wouldn't come out.
• The carpet had a large stain where someone had spilled their juice.

Indicates a small, usually round mark or area that is different in color or texture from its surroundings. It can appear on various surfaces, such as fabric, skin, or walls, and can be neutral or sometimes negative depending on the context.

• She noticed a red spot on her dress and realized she had spilled some wine.
• There are a few spots of mold on the bathroom ceiling that need to be cleaned.