smudge
1smudge
verb \ˈsməj\smudgedsmudg·ing
Definition of SMUDGE
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
Examples of SMUDGE
- Don't smudge the picture with your dirty hands!
- His face was smudged with grease.
Origin of SMUDGE
Middle English smogen
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to SMUDGE
2smudge
nounDefinition of SMUDGE
1
a : a blurry spot or streak b : an immaterial stain <cleanse him of every last smudge of impropriety — Richard 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
— smudg·i·ly \ˈsmə-jə-lē\ adverb
— smudg·i·ness \ˈsmə-jē-nəs\ noun
— smudgy \-jē\ adjective
Examples of SMUDGE
- His hand left a grimy smudge on the wall.
- <the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal>
First Known Use of SMUDGE
circa 1774
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