What does stain mean?
A stain is a mark or discoloration left on a surface, especially by dirt, food, liquid, or another substance. The word can also refer figuratively to a moral or reputational blemish, as in a stain on someone’s honor or a stain on the record. As a verb, stain describes the act of discoloring or marking something, and it can also mean to damage a person’s reputation or character. The word is used in both British and American English and is broadly neutral in physical descriptions, though its figurative applications carry a distinctly negative and often moral force. Compared with words such as spot or mark, stain often suggests a mark that is difficult to remove or a consequence that is difficult to erase, making it especially useful when describing both stubborn material marks and lasting social disgrace.
A mark or discoloration on a surface; figuratively, a moral or reputational blemish.
"There was a conspicuous stain on the wall behind the desk."
Usually countable. Figurative uses often suggest a lasting moral or social blemish.
To mark or discolor a surface; figuratively, to damage someone’s reputation, honor, or character.
"The bright dye may stain the wool permanently."
The figurative sense is formal and generally carries a strongly negative evaluation.
The standard plural is “stains.” It can refer to multiple physical marks or to multiple moral or reputational blemishes.
"The old stains on the wooden table were difficult to remove."
A stain can be a mark on a tablecloth, but it can also be a stain on a person’s reputation; the word carries both physical and moral associations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stain come from?
The English noun and verb descend through Old French from Latin distinguere, a form of dis- meaning “apart” and stinguere, meaning to set apart or distinguish. The word appears in Middle English in forms associated with stainen and stain, and its basic sense was that of marking or discoloring a surface. Its figurative use for a blemish on character or reputation developed from the idea of a visible mark that signifies something deeper.
Related word forms
How stain is actually used
“Stain” is neutral in literal physical contexts but usually negative in figurative uses. The figurative sense is relatively formal and commonly describes a lasting blemish on a person, organization, reputation, or record. The noun is countable, and “stains” is the standard plural.