stain
word
Definition
A stain is a mark left on something, usually by dirt, food, liquid, or color that is hard to remove. As a verb, it means to leave that kind of mark or to color something permanently.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for marks on clothes, carpets, teeth, skin, or wood: 'coffee stain', 'wine stain', 'blood stain'. As a verb, 'stain' can mean accidental marking or intentional coloring, especially with wood: 'stain the table darker'. For clothes, 'spot' is usually a smaller mark; 'dye' means change the whole color.
Example Sentences
There is a stain on my shirt.
basic
Coffee can stain white clothes.
basic
He used dark paint to stain the wood.
basic
Don't worry, that sauce stain should come out in the wash.
natural
Be careful with red wine—it stains fast.
natural
I can't believe grease stained my new jeans on the first day.
natural