verb
Uncommon
smear
smeer
Smear (verb) means to spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily. Example: “She smeared sunscreen across her shoulders.”
verb
1
To spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily.
"She smeared sunscreen across her shoulders."
"Paint smeared across the canvas as he dragged the brush."
2
To damage someone's reputation with false or misleading accusations.
"The tabloid tried to smear the candidate with unfounded rumors."
"His rivals smeared him online before the election."
noun
1
A false, damaging claim meant to harm someone's reputation.
"The politician dismissed the story as a smear."
2
A medical test made by spreading a thin sample on a slide, especially a cervical screening test.
"She went in for her routine smear test."
How to use smear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo spread something messily across a surface, or to attack someone's reputation with false claims.
Common pairings
smear campaign
smear tactics
smear test
smear grease on
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like smear.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- smears
- Third person singular
- smears
- Past tense
- smeared
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ sunscreen across her shoulders.
Etymology
From Old English smerian, "to rub with grease or oil," related to German schmieren and the word "schmear."
Related words
Rhymes for smear
See all rhymes for smear →Frequently asked questions
What does “smear” mean?
The word “smear” means to spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily. In plain terms, to spread something messily across a surface, or to attack someone's reputation with false claims.
How do you pronounce “smear”?
“Smear” is pronounced smeer (/smiɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “smear” in a sentence?
Here is “smear” used in a sentence: “She smeared sunscreen across her shoulders.”
What part of speech is “smear”?
Depending on how it is used, “smear” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “smear” come from?
The word “smear” comes from Old English. From Old English smerian, "to rub with grease or oil," related to German schmieren and the word "schmear.".
Is “smear” a common word?
“Smear” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “smear” have?
“Smear” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily.
