smudge

1 of 2

verb

smudged; smudging

transitive verb

1
a
: to make a smudge on
b
: to soil as if by smudging
2
a
: to rub, daub, or wipe in a smeary manner
b
: to make indistinct : blur
smudged the writing
3
: to smoke or protect by means of a smudge

intransitive verb

1
: to make a smudge
2
: to become smudged

smudge

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a blurry spot or streak
b
: an immaterial stain
cleanse him of every last smudge of improprietyRichard Hanser
c
: an indistinct mass : blur
2
: a smoldering mass placed on the windward side (as to protect from frost)
3
: a bid of four in pitch that if made wins the game
smudgily adverb
smudginess noun
smudgy adjective

Examples of smudge in a Sentence

Verb Don't smudge the picture with your dirty hands! His face was smudged with grease. Noun His hand left a grimy smudge on the wall. the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The distinctive body is well suited for left-handed users as well as righties, but the hyper-glossy exterior is prone to smudging. PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Take a peek in the mirror four or five hours after to see what’s smudged or has worn off completely. Sophia Panych, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
The mascara features a soft, curved brush that imparts a lengthening your-lashes-but-better look and doesn't budge, flake, or smudge throughout the day. Deanna Pai, Allure, 25 Sep. 2024 This includes cleaning the windows at least once every six months to keep the glass free of smudges and stains and eliminate any dirt, dust, oils, or debris that may have built up on the window frame or in the window tracks. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for smudge 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English smogen

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

circa 1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of smudge was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near smudge

Cite this Entry

“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smudge. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

smudge

1 of 2 verb
smudged; smudging
1
a
: to make a smudge on
b
: to soil as if by smudging
2
: to make a smudge
a chalk that does not smudge
3
: to become smudged
charcoal drawings smudge easily

smudge

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: a blurry spot or streak : smear
2
: a fire made to smoke (as for protecting fruit from frost)
smudgy adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on smudge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!