stain

1 of 2

verb

ˈstān 

stained; staining; stains

transitive verb

1

: to suffuse with color

2

: discolor, soil

Spilled wine stained the tablecloth.

3

a

: taint sense 3

a conscience stained with guilt

b

: to bring discredit on

The scandal stained his reputation.

4

: to color (something, such as wood, glass, or cloth) by processes affecting chemically or otherwise the material itself

intransitive verb

: to receive a stain

stainable

ˈstā-nə-bəl 

adjective

stainer

ˈstā-nər 

noun

stain

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a soiled or discolored spot

b

: a natural spot of color contrasting with the ground

2

: a taint of guilt : stigma

3

: a preparation (as of dye or pigment) used in staining: such as

a

: a dye or pigment capable of penetrating the pores of wood

b

: a dye or mixture of dyes used in microscopy to make visible minute and transparent structures, to differentiate tissue elements, or to produce specific chemical reactions

stainproof

ˈstān-ˌprüf 

adjective

Synonyms of stain

Verb

• taint
• mar
• poison
• spoil
• darken

Noun

• blot
• taint
• stigma

Examples of stain in a Sentence

Verb

The red wine stained the carpet.

He stained the wood a dark cherry color.

The accusations stained his reputation.

Noun

There's a juice stain on the floor.

She has a stain on her shirt.

Will those grass stains wash out?

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Detergents and fabric softeners leave behind an oily residue, which can stain clothing, trap odors, and make your bath towels less absorbent. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

Now 21% off, the Bissell Little Green Mini is a lifesaver for people with small spaces who are constantly staining upholstery and carpets. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

Noun

It’s made with synthetic fibers that are stain-resistant and easy to clean with a vacuum. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025

Each mug is made from non-reactive, non-porous porcelain enamel that resists stains, rust, and scratches, so the set will stand the test of time. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English steynen, partly from Anglo-French desteindre to take away the color from & partly of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse steina to paint — more at distain

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stain

• Giemsa stain
• Gram's stain
• Gram stain
• port-wine stain

Rhymes for stain

• ane
• bane
• blain
• brain
• cane
• chaine
• cheyne
• deign
• drain
• fain
• fane
• feign

Kids Definition

stain

1 of 2 verb

ˈstān 

1

: to soil or discolor especially in spots

2

: to give color to (as by dyeing) : tinge

3

a

: corrupt entry 1 sense 1

a fine mind stained by jealousy

b

: disgrace entry 1

the scandal stained his reputation

stainer noun

stain

2 of 2 noun

1

: a soiled or discolored spot

2

: a mark of guilt or disgrace

bore the stain of their father's crime

3

: something (as a dye) used in staining: as

a

: a dye or pigment capable of penetrating the pores of wood

b

: a dye or mixture of dyes used in microscopy to make very small and transparent structures visible, to color tissue elements so that they can be told apart, and to produce specific chemical reactions

stainless

ˈstān-ləs

adjective

Medical Definition

stain

1 of 2 transitive verb

ˈstān 

1

: to cause discoloration of

smoking stains teeth

2

: to color by processes affecting chemically or otherwise the material itself

stain bacteria with a fluorescent dye

intransitive verb

: to receive a stain

stain

2 of 2 noun

1

: a discolored spot or area (as on the skin or teeth) see port-wine stain

2

: a preparation (as of dye or pigment) used in staining something

especially : a dye or mixture of dyes used in microscopy to make minute and transparent structures visible, to differentiate tissue elements, or to produce specific chemical reactions