The meaning of TARNISH is to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : soil, stain. How to use tarnish in a sentence.

TARNISH definition: 1. to make or (especially of metal) become less bright or a different colour 2. to make people…. Learn more.

TARNISH definition: to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor. See examples of tarnish used in a sentence.

Tarnish is a substance which forms on the surface of some metals and which stains them or causes them to lose their brightness. The tarnish lay thick on the inside of the ring.

1. to dull the luster of or discolor (a metallic surface), esp. by oxidation. 2. to diminish or destroy the purity of; sully: to tarnish a reputation.

Definition of tarnish verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Aug 7, 2025 · tarnish (third-person singular simple present tarnishes, present participle tarnishing, simple past and past participle tarnished) (intransitive) To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.

TARNISH meaning: 1 : to become or cause (metal) to become dull and not shiny; 2 : to damage or ruin the good quality of (something, such as a person's reputation, image, etc.)

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: tarnish /ˈtɑːnɪʃ/ vb to lose or cause to lose the shine, esp by exposure to air or moisture resulting in surface oxidation; discolour to …

Apr 30, 2025 · Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that develops on metal surfaces over time. Think of it as a natural reaction between the metal and elements in the environment.