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 name and number set were also in poor condition and the front sponsor was smudged. Elias Burke, New York Times, 1 June 2025 Blotting Paper Perfect for soaking up excess oil and shine without smudging your makeup or leaving any residue behind, blotting sheets are an easy, lightweight essential that’ll fit easily in any bag or pocket. Gregory Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
Noun
The white smudge on his nose looked like a bolt of lightning, so Lin named him Boom, after the English sound for thunder. Literary Hub, 6 June 2025 The smudge was visible because Lively wore her hair down and parted it to one side. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smudge. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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
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