1
a
: a blurry spot or streak
b
: an immaterial stain
… cleanse him of every last smudge of impropriety …—
Richard Hanser
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
-er/-est
Examples of smudge in a Sentence
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
Deanna Pai, Glamour, 6 June 2026
Here are a couple more cardigans to complete the all-white outfit — and just remember, summer style is meant to feel lived-in, even if that means a smudge or two along the way.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The formula is transfer-resistant, waterproof and smudge-resistant, helping makeup maintain its appearance through long days.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
The hit was a small smudge on Bruins ace Taylor Tinsley’s line, finishing with two strikeouts and three hits across the five innings.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for smudge
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Noun
This will help buff it in and prevent streaks and smudges.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 6 June 2026
Here are a couple more cardigans to complete the all-white outfit — and just remember, summer style is meant to feel lived-in, even if that means a smudge or two along the way.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The formula is transfer-resistant, waterproof and smudge-resistant, helping makeup maintain its appearance through long days.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
The hit was a small smudge on Bruins ace Taylor Tinsley’s line, finishing with two strikeouts and three hits across the five innings.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Cite this Entry
“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smudge. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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 noun1
a
: a blurry spot or streak : smear
2
: a fire made to smoke (as for protecting fruit from frost)
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