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smutch

noun

: a dark stain : smudge
smutch transitive verb
smutchy adjective

Word History

Etymology

akin to Middle English smogen to smudge

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smutch was in 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Smutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smutch. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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