smudge

1 of 2

verb

ˈsməj 

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 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

smudgily

ˈsmə-jə-lē 

adverb

smudginess

ˈsmə-jē-nəs 

noun

smudgy

ˈsmə-jē 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• stain
• dirty
• blacken

Noun

• stain
• taint
• blot

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

Verb

Krasznahorkai eventually found a global cult audience, who recognized his distinct ability to cloak anomie, violence, and resignation, smudged with a kind of gutter comedy, within a labyrinthine syntax. —Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025

The water-resistant formula resists smudging and transferring under the eyes, without the impossible-to-remove downside of a waterproof mascara. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025

Noun

This popular option has a waterproof, smudge-resistant formula that promises hours of wear with a stunning matte finish, according to the brand. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025

An ultrasonic cleaner gently removes smudges, oil, and makeup—even around the nose pads and hinges—without scratching your lenses. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for smudge

• budge
• drudge
• frage
• fudge
• grudge
• judge
• mudge
• nudge
• rudge
• sludge
• trudge
• adjudge

Kids Definition

smudge

1 of 2 verb

ˈsməj 

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

b

: stain entry 2 sense 2

2

: a fire made to smoke (as for protecting fruit from frost)

smudgy

ˈsməj-ē 

adjective