Definition

1. Noun:

   • A colored liquid applied to a surface to decorate or protect it: "Paint" is a substance, typically a liquid, that is spread on surfaces to give them color, texture, or protection. It dries to form a thin, solid film.
   • Cosmetic makeup for the cheeks: "Paint" can also refer to a cosmetic, typically a powder or cream, applied to color the cheeks.

2. Verb:

   • To apply paint to a surface: The primary meaning is to cover a surface with paint using a brush, roller, or other tool.
   • To create a picture using paints: "Paint" means to produce a work of art using colored pigments.
   • To describe vividly with words: "Paint" can mean to depict or describe something in a detailed and vivid manner, often figuratively.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • We need to buy more white paint for the walls.
  • She applied a little paint to her cheeks for color.

• Verb:

  • They will paint the fence next weekend.
  • The artist loves to paint landscapes.
  • The author painted a grim picture of life in the city.

Advanced Usage

• "to paint a picture (of something)": to describe a situation in a particular way, creating a specific impression.

  • The report paints a picture of a company in crisis.

• "to paint the town red": to go out and enjoy oneself flamboyantly, often involving celebration and visiting many places.

  • After the final exam, they went out to paint the town red.

• "to paint oneself into a corner": to get oneself into a difficult or awkward situation from which it is hard to escape.

  • By making too many promises, he painted himself into a corner.

Variants and Related Words

• Painter (n): a person who paints, either as an artist or as a decorator.

  • She is a famous portrait painter.

• Painting (n): the act or art of using paint; a picture created with paint.

  • Her painting of the sunset won first prize.

• Paintwork (n): the painted surface of something, especially a vehicle.

  • The car's paintwork was scratched.

Synonyms

• Noun (substance): Coating, finish, enamel, lacquer.
• Verb (apply color): Coat, cover, brush, decorate.
• Verb (create art): Depict, portray, illustrate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Paint over: to cover something by applying a new layer of paint.

  • We decided to paint over the old mural.

• Paint out: to obliterate or cover something by painting over it.

  • The old sign was painted out.

Related Idioms

• As pretty as paint: very pretty or attractive.

  • The little girl in her new dress looked as pretty as paint.

• Paint a black/rosy picture: to describe a situation as very bad or very good.

  • The news article painted a very black picture of the economic future.

Noun

1. makeup consisting of a pink or red powder applied to the cheeks
2. (basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court; usually painted a different color from the rest of the court
   • he hit a jump shot from the top of the key
   • he dominates play in the paint
3. a substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface (especially a mixture of pigment suspended in a liquid); dries to form a hard coating
   • artists use `paint' and `pigment' interchangeably

Verb

1. apply a liquid to; e.g., paint the gutters with linseed oil
2. make a painting of
   • He painted his mistress many times
3. apply paint to; coat with paint
   • We painted the rooms yellow
4. make a painting
   • he painted all day in the garden
   • He painted a painting of the garden