smudge

Everyday

1. (noun) A dirty or blurred mark, like a smear of ink, paint or chocolate. tree →
2. (verb) To make something blurred or messy by rubbing it, or to become blurred: "My writing smudged." tree →
3. (art) To blend chalk, charcoal or pastel on purpose with your finger to make soft shading. tree →

In the lessons

In school, left-handed writers often smudge their ink; teachers ask for neat work without smudges. In art lessons smudging charcoal makes shadows and soft clouds. In stories a smudge of dirt or flour on someone's face shows they have been working or playing. Phrases: a smudge of paint, smudge-proof, smudge the ink.

Examples

• There's a smudge of chocolate on your cheek. tree →
• Let the ink dry or it will smudge. tree →
• My left hand smudged my handwriting. tree →
• Smudge the chalk with your finger to make a soft sky. tree →
• The window had smudges from little fingers. tree →
• Her mascara smudged when she cried. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a smudge, smudges. Verb past: smudged. Adjective: smudgy. Similar words: smear, blot, stain; a smudge is usually small and blurred.