tear-stained

American  

[teer-steynd] / ˈtɪərˌsteɪnd /

adjective

1. marked or wet with tears.

   a tear-stained letter.

2. showing traces of tears or signs of having wept.

   tear-stained cheeks.

---

Etymology

Origin of tear-stained

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Attendees dropped their heads into their hands and clutched tissues to tear-stained faces.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2023

It's notable that, when men do discuss those bonds, it's almost always too late: Diddy's I'll Be Missing You is a tear-stained tribute to the rapper Notorious B.I.G.;

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2023

The scientists’ tear-stained cheeks lit up with reflected light, and the crowd erupted.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 27, 2022

I couldn't bear to lift my gaze and possibly catch another glimpse of Mom's blotchy, tear-stained face with her swollen, now make-up free eyes.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2022

I hear her slide the lock out of the way, and the door swings open to reveal a puffy, tear-stained Fuchsia.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden