noun

tarnish

TAH-nihsh

noun

A dull discoloured film that forms on the surface of a metal, especially one exposed to air.

"She polished away the tarnish on the old silver spoons."

verb

(of metal) To become dull or discoloured through exposure to air.

"Silver jewelry tarnishes quickly if left in a damp drawer."

To damage or spoil someone's reputation or image.

"The scandal tarnished the senator's reputation for years."

"One bad review can tarnish an otherwise solid track record."

How to Use Tarnish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo lose shine (of metal) or to damage a reputation (of a person or brand).

Common pairings

tarnish a reputation start to tarnish tarnished silver

tarnished past tense, tarnishes plural, tarnishes singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

She polished away the _____ on the old silver spoons.

From Old French ternir, meaning to make dim or dull, ultimately traced to a Germanic root meaning to conceal.

varnish garnish