smutch
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
-
a smudge or stain.
-
dirt, grime, or smut.
verb
noun
-
a mark; smudge
-
soot; dirt
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of smutch
1520–30; perhaps < Middle High German smutzen to smear; compare German Schmutz smut
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She hadn’t done anything to me, and the smutch of the mud against her blue gown — the prettiest dress I ever saw.
From "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village" by Laura Amy Schlitz
Some are worthless little patches, Which indeed if they don't smutch you, 'Tis they're dead before they touch you!
From The poetical works of George MacDonald in two volumes — Volume 2 by MacDonald, George
This love is not so hard to smutch.
From The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems by Morris, William
"See what you're doing, Steve!" he cried, pointing at the oily smutch.
From Golden Days for Boys and Girls, Vol. XIII, Nov. 28, 1891 by Elverson, James
She was minus the dust-cap and the ruffled apron, but she had a dab of flour on the left cheek, and a smutch of crock on her forehead.
From Miss Billy — Married by Porter, Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
