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.

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Etymology

Origin of tear-stained

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

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

But after long, tight hugs and tear-stained cheeks, Chiles left, as her father advised, with her head held high.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2023

At the end of that memorable contest, White soaked things in, hanging out for about an hour after the last run to bid a heartfelt and tear-stained adieu to his life as a competitive snowboarder.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2022

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

From Science Magazine • Sep. 27, 2022

A nine-year-old boy stood in the yard with a tear-stained face and bare feet.

From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman