paint
paynt
Paint (noun) means a liquid or paste that is spread onto a surface and dries into a solid, coloured coating. Example: “We need another coat of paint on the fence.”
noun
1
A liquid or paste that is spread onto a surface and dries into a solid, coloured coating.
"We need another coat of paint on the fence."
"The paint hadn't fully dried before the rain started."
"Wear old clothes, because the paint is very hard to wash out."
2
A set of paints or paint colours used for painting pictures.
"The child was given a box of paints for her birthday."
"Her paints were old and dried up, so she bought new ones."
"He packed his paints and brushes into a small bag before the trip."
3
In basketball, informal name for the free-throw lane area (marked with paint on the court).
"He scored most of his points in the paint."
"The centre stayed in the paint and waited for a pass under the basket."
"Defenders crowded the paint, so the guard took a shot from outside."
verb
1
To apply paint to a surface.
"They painted the bedroom a soft blue."
"He's painting the fence this weekend."
"I need to paint the kitchen walls before my parents visit."
2
To create a picture using paints.
"She paints landscapes in her spare time."
"He painted a portrait of his grandmother from an old photograph."
"The children painted pictures of animals during the art class."
3
To describe or portray something vividly, especially in words.
"The report paints a grim picture of the local economy."
"In her novel, she paints a warm picture of village life."
"The speaker painted a hopeful vision of the future for the students."
How to use paint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe coloured coating substance itself, or the act of applying it (literally or, figuratively, describing something in vivid terms).
Common mistake
Don't confuse "paint a picture" (literal) with the idiom "paint a picture of" meaning to describe something vividly.
Common pairings
a coat of paint
paint a picture
wet paint
paint the town
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Word forms
- Plural
- paints
- Third person singular
- paints
- Past tense
- painted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We need another coat of _____ on the fence.
Etymology
From Middle English peynten, borrowed via Old French from Latin pingere, "to paint," the same root that gives us "picture" and "pigment."
Related words
Rhymes for paint
See all rhymes for paint →Frequently asked questions
What does “paint” mean?
The word “paint” means a liquid or paste that is spread onto a surface and dries into a solid, coloured coating. In plain terms, the coloured coating substance itself, or the act of applying it (literally or, figuratively, describing something in vivid terms).
How do you pronounce “paint”?
“Paint” is pronounced paynt (/peɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “paint” in a sentence?
Here is “paint” used in a sentence: “We need another coat of paint on the fence.”
What part of speech is “paint”?
Depending on how it is used, “paint” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “paint” come from?
The word “paint” comes from Latin. From Middle English peynten, borrowed via Old French from Latin pingere, "to paint," the same root that gives us "picture" and "pigment.".
Is “paint” a common word?
“Paint” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “paint” have?
“Paint” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a liquid or paste that is spread onto a surface and dries into a solid, coloured coating.
What are the main types of paint?
Paints are usually grouped by their base. Water-based paints, such as latex and acrylic, are low-odour and clean up with water, making them popular indoors. Oil-based paints are tougher and glossier but need solvents to clean up. There are also specialty paints like enamel, chalk, spray, and primer.
What is paint made of?
Most paint has four main parts: pigment for colour, a binder that holds it together and makes it stick, a solvent such as water or oil that keeps it liquid, and additives that adjust drying time, sheen, and durability. As the solvent evaporates, the coating hardens into a solid film.
What is the difference between paint and stain?
Paint forms a solid, opaque film that sits on top of a surface and hides what is underneath. Stain soaks into the material, especially wood, adding colour while letting the grain and texture show through. Paint offers more protection and colour choice, while stain highlights the natural character of the surface.
What is the difference between paint and primer?
Primer is a preparatory coat applied before paint. It seals the surface, improves adhesion, and blocks stains so the colour goes on evenly and lasts. Paint is the finishing coat that provides the final colour and sheen. Many jobs, especially on bare or patchy surfaces, need both for the best result.
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