First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1smudge
verb \ˈsməj\
: to make a dirty mark, spot, streak, etc., on (something)
: to become blurry and unclear by being touched or rubbed
: to make (something) blurry or unclear by touching or rubbing it
smudgedsmudg·ing
Full Definition of SMUDGE
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
See smudge defined for English-language learners
See smudge defined for kids
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Origin of SMUDGE
Middle English smogen
Related to SMUDGE
2smudge
noun
: a dirty mark, spot, streak, etc.
Full Definition of SMUDGE
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
— smudg·i·ly \ˈsmə-jə-lē\ adverb
— smudg·i·ness \ˈsmə-jē-nəs\ noun
— smudgy \-jē\ adjective
See smudge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SMUDGE
circa 1774
SMUDGED Defined for Kids
1smudge
noun \ˈsməj\
Definition of SMUDGE for Kids
1
: a blurred spot or streak : smear
2
: a smoky fire (as to drive away mosquitoes)
2smudge
verb
smudgedsmudg·ing
Definition of SMUDGE for Kids
: to soil or blur by rubbing or smearing
Learn More About SMUDGE
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