stain (A2)

noun, verb

Pronunciation: /steɪn/

Definition

A mark or discoloration caused by foreign matter that is difficult to remove.

Examples

• The red wine left a dark stain on the carpet.

• He tried to remove the grass stain from his jeans.

• The accident left a stain on his reputation.

How to Use stain

stain on (prepositional phrase)

A mark or discoloration on a surface. — "There is a coffee stain on my shirt."

stain with (prepositional phrase)

To mark something using a coloring substance. — "He stained his fingers with berry juice."

leave a stain (collocation)

To cause a mark or discoloration. — "The spilled ink left a permanent stain on the desk."

remove a stain (collocation)

To get rid of a mark or discoloration. — "I can't seem to remove this grass stain."

Synonyms of stain

Words with a similar meaning to stain:

• mark
• spot
• blemish
• discoloration

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary