# grained

/ˈɡɹeɪnd/ (US) · /ɡɹˈeɪnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grained
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to have a pattern or texture on a surface, like the lines on wood or the dots on a screen. You use this when you want to describe how something looks or feels.

For teachers: to possess a visible pattern or texture on a surface, typically referring to the natural markings of wood or the pixelation of a digital display.

## Examples

- The old wooden table is highly grained.
- The photographer noticed that the image looked grained because the camera's sensor was too small for the high resolution.
- The artisan selected a piece of oak that was heavily grained, as the intricate patterns would be more visible once the furniture was finished.

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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.