stain
noun
a discoloration produced by foreign matter having penetrated into or chemically reacted with a material; a spot not easily removed.
staining
-
present participleof stain.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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 said Greenpeace had painted over rocks and soil, staining them.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
It doesn’t come on a school-issued bun, nor does it come with the staining might of tomato sauce and ground beef.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
No doubt she tried in some cases, staining the Justice Department in the process.
From Slate ● Apr. 4, 2026
Her burned bureau and the black soot staining the wall reignited her past trauma.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2025
Her cheeks were staining a dusky purple as she tugged the hem of her dress, as if she could will it longer simply by sheer physical strength.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
