tarnish
Tarnish (noun) means a dull discoloured film that forms on the surface of a metal, especially one exposed to air. Example: “She polished away the tarnish on the old silver spoons.”
How to use tarnish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lose shine (of metal) or to damage a reputation (of a person or brand).
Word forms
tarnished past tense, tarnishes plural, tarnishes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She polished away the _____ on the old silver spoons.
Etymology
From Old French ternir, meaning to make dim or dull, ultimately traced to a Germanic root meaning to conceal.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tarnish
See all rhymes for tarnish →Frequently asked questions
What does “tarnish” mean?
The word “tarnish” means a dull discoloured film that forms on the surface of a metal, especially one exposed to air. In plain terms, to lose shine (of metal) or to damage a reputation (of a person or brand).
How do you pronounce “tarnish”?
“Tarnish” is pronounced TAH-nihsh (/ˈtɑɹnɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tarnish” in a sentence?
Here is “tarnish” used in a sentence: “She polished away the tarnish on the old silver spoons.”
What part of speech is “tarnish”?
Depending on how it is used, “tarnish” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tarnish” come from?
The word “tarnish” comes from Old French. From Old French ternir, meaning to make dim or dull, ultimately traced to a Germanic root meaning to conceal.
How many meanings does “tarnish” have?
“Tarnish” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dull discoloured film that forms on the surface of a metal, especially one exposed to air.