stains; stained; staining
1
a
: to leave a mark on something
The red wine stained the carpet.
a wine-stained carpet
Be careful—grape juice stains.
b
: to be marked or damaged by a stain
This fabric stains easily.
2
: to use a special liquid to change the color of (something)
He stained the wood a dark cherry color.
3
: to damage or spoil (something, such as someone's reputation)
The accusations stained his reputation.
plural stains
1
: a mark made on a surface, a piece of clothing, etc., that is very hard or impossible to remove
There's a juice/wine stain on the floor.
She has a stain on her shirt.
Will those grass stains wash out?
2
: a special liquid that is used to change the color of something (such as wood or cloth)
3
: something that causes people to have less respect for someone : something that damages a person's reputation
—usually singular
The accusation left a stain that followed him the rest of his life.
a stain on her honor/reputation
Cite this Entry
“Stain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/stain. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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