smudged; smudging
1
a
: a blurry spot or streak
b
: an immaterial stain
cleanse him of every last smudge of impropriety—
Richard Hanser
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
Examples of smudge in a Sentence
Verb
Don't smudge the picture with your dirty hands!
His face was smudged with grease.
Noun
His hand left a grimy smudge on the wall.
the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Recent Examples on the Web
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025
Older readers of this article may have learned to write in such a way (guilty yer honor) – dipping the nib of a pen into an inkwell, and scratching out the words, hoping to have sufficient ink to complete a word, without picking up too much ink and smudging your masterpiece.
—Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2025
Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
The 7 Best Reusable Paper Towels, According to Testing
Wipe Exterior with Damp Cloth
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any drips from overflow batter and to remove fingerprints and other smudges.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
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Verb
Like other gel liners, this is easy to smudge for that perfectly imperfect smoky look.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025
Older readers of this article may have learned to write in such a way (guilty yer honor) – dipping the nib of a pen into an inkwell, and scratching out the words, hoping to have sufficient ink to complete a word, without picking up too much ink and smudging your masterpiece.
—Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
The thin, delicate skin of the under-eye can easily become dry and flaky, but too emollient of a texture can lead makeup to shift or smudge.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
The 7 Best Reusable Paper Towels, According to Testing
Wipe Exterior with Damp Cloth
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any drips from overflow batter and to remove fingerprints and other smudges.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Articles Related to smudge
Cite this Entry
“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smudge. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
smudge
1 of 2 verb
smudged; smudging
1
a
: to make a smudge on
b
: to soil as if by smudging
2
: to make a smudge
a chalk that does not smudge
3
: to become smudged
charcoal drawings smudge easily
smudge
2 of 2 noun1
a
: a blurry spot or streak : smear
2
: a fire made to smoke (as for protecting fruit from frost)
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