stain

The word “stain” means a discoloured mark left by a substance that soaks into a surface. In plain terms, a mark that discolours something, or the act of leaving/adding such a mark — including a figurative mark on reputation.

“Stain” is pronounced stayn (/steɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “stain” used in a sentence: “She couldn't get the coffee stain out of the carpet.”

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

The word “stain” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse steina, "to colour or paint," related to steinn, meaning stone.

“Stain” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Stain” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a discoloured mark left by a substance that soaks into a surface.

A "stain" is a discoloured mark left by a substance that has soaked into a surface, often difficult to remove, while a "spot" can refer more broadly to any small mark or blemish, not necessarily caused by soaking. Stains are typically associated with liquids like wine, coffee, or ink penetrating fabric or material. "Spot" is a more general term that can describe surface marks of many kinds.

When used figuratively, a "stain" refers to a lasting mark on someone's reputation, implying damage that is difficult to remove or forget, such as "a stain on his character." This extends the literal meaning of a persistent discoloured mark to abstract harm done to how someone is perceived. It is commonly used in formal or written contexts.

"Stain" is a colouring liquid that soaks into wood to enhance or change its colour while typically preserving the visibility of the wood grain. Paint, by contrast, forms an opaque layer on the surface, covering the grain entirely. Staining is often chosen for a more natural wood appearance, while painting offers full colour coverage.