Word
blot
US/ˈbɫɑt/
UK/blˈɒt/
Definitions
01a physical stain
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a dark mark or stain made by a liquid like ink or paint.
n. a blemish, spot, or stain caused by a coloured substance, typically ink.
“A large ink blot ruined the middle of his handwritten letter.”
“The artist accidentally dropped his brush, leaving a dark blot of crimson paint across the pristine white canvas.”
02to dry with paper
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to dry wet ink or liquid by pressing a piece of paper or cloth against it.
v. to dry a surface or writing by using absorbent material to soak up excess liquid.
“She used a tissue to blot the spilled coffee from her desk.”
“After signing the document with a fountain pen, he carefully blotted the signature to prevent it from smearing.”
03to hide or remove
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to hide something or make it impossible to see, usually with 'out'.
v. to obscure, eclipse, or obliterate something from view or memory; frequently used in the phrasal verb 'blot out'.
“The thick clouds moved in to blot out the sun.”
“He tried to blot out the painful memories of the accident by focusing entirely on his new job.”
04to sell drugs
C2 · Proficiency Slang · Dialect
v. to sell illegal drugs.
v. to engage in the sale of illicit substances.
“He was caught trying to blot on the street corner.”
“Local authorities increased patrols in the area following reports of groups attempting to blot in the park after dark.”
Usage
Often used in the metaphorical phrase 'a blot on the landscape' to describe an ugly building or structure.
Real-World Examples
“All that their players can do is try to blot out the noise.” “There can be so many they blot out the sun.” Etymology
From Middle English blot (“blot, spot, stain, blemish”). Perhaps from Old Norse *blettr (“blot, stain”) (only attested in documents from after Old Norse transitioned to Icelandic blettur), or from Old French bloche (“clod of earth”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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