stain
stayn
Stain (noun) means a discoloured mark left by a substance that soaks into a surface. Example: “She couldn't get the coffee stain out of the carpet.”
noun
1
A discoloured mark left by a substance that soaks into a surface.
"She couldn't get the coffee stain out of the carpet."
"The red wine left a dark stain on the tablecloth."
"Lemon juice can help lift a stain from a white shirt."
2
A lasting mark on someone's reputation.
"The scandal left a stain on his career."
"Cheating in the exam left a stain on her otherwise perfect school record."
"He worried that one careless remark would be a permanent stain on the family name."
verb
1
To discolour something, often permanently, or to apply colouring liquid to a surface.
"Red wine will stain a white tablecloth in seconds."
"He stained the bookshelf a deep walnut colour."
"Be careful with that blackcurrant juice, because it will stain your new carpet."
How to use stain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mark that discolours something, or the act of leaving/adding such a mark — including a figurative mark on reputation.
Common pairings
wood stain
stain remover
leave a stain
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Word forms
- Plural
- stains
- Third person singular
- stains
- Past tense
- stained
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She couldn't get the coffee _____ out of the carpet.
Etymology
From Old Norse steina, "to colour or paint," related to steinn, meaning stone.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for stain
See all rhymes for stain →Frequently asked questions
What does “stain” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “stain”?
“Stain” is pronounced stayn (/steɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “stain” in a sentence?
Here is “stain” used in a sentence: “She couldn't get the coffee stain out of the carpet.”
What part of speech is “stain”?
Depending on how it is used, “stain” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stain” come from?
The word “stain” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse steina, "to colour or paint," related to steinn, meaning stone.
Is “stain” a common word?
“Stain” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “stain” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a "stain" and a "spot"?
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.
What does it mean when "stain" is used to describe someone's reputation?
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.
What is the difference between "stain" and "paint" when treating wood?
"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.
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