noun

smudge

smuhj

Smudge (noun) means a smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup. Example: “There was a smudge of lipstick on the coffee cup.”

noun

A smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup.

"There was a smudge of lipstick on the coffee cup."

"He wiped the smudge off the window with his sleeve."

verb

To smear or blur something by rubbing it, or to become blurred this way.

"Be careful not to smudge the wet paint."

"Her mascara smudged in the rain."

How to use smudge

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA blurry mark from rubbing or smearing, or the act of causing one.

Common pairings

a smudge of ink smudge the ink smudge-proof

Word forms

smudged past tense, smudges plural, smudges singular

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Can you complete this real example?

There was a _____ of lipstick on the coffee cup.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; related to the older word "smutch," meaning a smear or stain.

Synonyms

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spot blur smear blot slur daub smirch smutch

Related words

see find place point office post site position

Rhymes for smudge

judge fudge nudge budge grudge sludge begrudge misjudge

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Frequently asked questions

What does “smudge” mean?

The word “smudge” means a smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup. In plain terms, a blurry mark from rubbing or smearing, or the act of causing one.

How do you pronounce “smudge”?

“Smudge” is pronounced smuhj (/smʌd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “smudge” in a sentence?

Here is “smudge” used in a sentence: “There was a smudge of lipstick on the coffee cup.”

What part of speech is “smudge”?

Depending on how it is used, “smudge” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “smudge” have?

“Smudge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup.

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