stainless
Americanadjective
-
having no stain; spotless.
-
made of stainless steel.
-
resistant to staining, rusting, the corrosive effect of chemicals, etc.
noun
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flatware made of stainless steel.
adjective
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resistant to discoloration, esp discoloration resulting from corrosion; rust-resistant
stainless steel
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having no blemish
a stainless reputation
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of stainless
Explanation
If an object is stainless, it is clean or resistant to discoloration. When a person is described with the adjective stainless, it means that they are exemplary, or extremely good. If you have any silver-colored appliances in your kitchen, they're probably stainless steel, specially formulated so they won't discolor or corrode. Most everyday spoons and forks are stainless steel as well. If someone refers to your sister's stainless reputation, on the other hand, he is implying that everyone thinks of her as well-behaved, almost saintly. This kind of stainless has been used since the 16th century; stainless steel wasn't invented until 1917.
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.
Researchers have also reported corrosion resistant anode strategies built on stainless steel substrates, showing that stainless steel remains a major focus in the effort to make seawater electrolysis more practical.
From Science Daily • May 10, 2026
Titanium parts coated with precious metals such as gold or platinum are expensive, while stainless steel is far more economical.
From Science Daily • May 10, 2026
But also literally: my desk is a repurposed stainless steel prep table, set beside the stove, facing a window that’s often full of light.
From Salon • May 5, 2026
Get her a stainless steel countertop system from Rorra that purports to filter PFAS, lead and microplastics out of water, without looking too industrial.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Maybe my sister is wishing that I was with her to see the stainless steel appliances and the doctor’s office furniture.
From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi
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.
