English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

blemish

BLEH-mihsh

Blemish (noun) means a small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface. Example: “A tiny blemish on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident.”

noun
1
A small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface.
"A tiny blemish on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident."
"She covered the blemish on her cheek with concealer."
verb
1
To spoil the appearance or reputation of something.
"The scandal blemished his otherwise spotless career."

How to use blemish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small flaw, whether on skin, a surface, or a reputation.

Common pairings
skin blemish blemish-free blemish a reputation

Word forms

blemished past tense, blemishes plural, blemishes singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “blemish” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A tiny _____ on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident.

Etymology

From Old French "blesmir," meaning to make pale or bruise, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "pale."

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for blemish

See all rhymes for blemish →

Frequently asked questions

What does “blemish” mean?

The word “blemish” means a small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface. In plain terms, a small flaw, whether on skin, a surface, or a reputation.

How do you pronounce “blemish”?

“Blemish” is pronounced BLEH-mihsh (/ˈblɛmɪʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “blemish” in a sentence?

Here is “blemish” used in a sentence: “A tiny blemish on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident.”

What part of speech is “blemish”?

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

Where does the word “blemish” come from?

The word “blemish” comes from Old French. From Old French "blesmir," meaning to make pale or bruise, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "pale.".

How many meanings does “blemish” have?

“Blemish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial