# blot

/ˈbɫɑt/ (US) · /blˈɒt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blot
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a physical stain

noun · CEFR B2

a dark mark or stain made by a liquid like ink or paint.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to dry with paper

verb · CEFR B2

to dry wet ink or liquid by pressing a piece of paper or cloth against it.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to hide or remove

verb · CEFR B2

to hide something or make it impossible to see, usually with 'out'.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to sell drugs

verb · CEFR C2 · Slang · Dialect

to sell illegal drugs.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- There is a large ink blot on my notebook.
- The new factory was considered a blot on the beautiful countryside by the local residents.
- The scandal remained a permanent blot on his otherwise distinguished political career, overshadowing his legislative achievements for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.