bedaub: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency / Archaic)Literary, Archaic, Humorous (when used deliberately)
Quick answer
What does “bedaub” mean?
To smear or cover thickly or clumsily with a sticky or greasy substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To smear or cover thickly or clumsily with a sticky or greasy substance.
To decorate or ornament in a gaudy, tasteless, or excessive manner; to sully or tarnish figuratively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts, but this is a marginal difference.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Considered archaic or highly stylised.
Grammar
How to Use “bedaub” in a Sentence
[Subject] bedaubs [Object] with [Substance][Object] is bedaubed with [Substance]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedaub” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The revellers would bedaub each other with coloured paste during the festival.
- The old sign was bedaubed with graffiti and peeling paint.
American English
- The kids managed to bedaub the entire kitchen with cake batter.
- His speech was bedaubed with insincere flattery.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Bedaubingly' is non-standard and extremely rare.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- The bedaubed statue was barely recognisable under layers of gilt.
- He arrived, bedaubed and weary, from the muddy rugby pitch.
American English
- The bedaubed walls of the ancient temple told a story of many rituals.
- Her bedaubed makeup made her look like a clown.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical, art historical, or literary criticism texts to describe crude application of material or ornamentation.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday conversation. Would sound odd or pretentious.
Technical
Not used in standard technical registers. Could be used descriptively in art restoration or archaeology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedaub”
- Using it in a neutral or positive context (e.g., 'She bedaubed the canvas beautifully').
- Using it in modern, informal speech where 'smear' or 'slather' would be natural.
- Misspelling as 'bedob' or 'bedaubed'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or literary. In most contexts, 'smear', 'daub', 'slather', or 'cover' are more natural choices.
Almost never. Its core meaning involves a messy, excessive, or tasteless application. Any positive use would be highly ironic or stylised.
They are near synonyms. 'Bedaub' often emphasises the thickness and clumsiness of the application, while 'besmear' can emphasise the act of making something dirty or stained. Both are archaic.
For most learners, no. It is a word to recognise in older literature. Focus on its more common synonyms like 'smear' or 'coat' for active use.
To smear or cover thickly or clumsily with a sticky or greasy substance.
Bedaub is usually literary, archaic, humorous (when used deliberately) in register.
Bedaub: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈdɔːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈdɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The clumsy BEAU (a dandy) DAUBed paint everywhere, he BED'AUBed the whole room.'
Conceptual Metaphor
DECORATION IS A FILTHY COVERING (when used negatively); EXCESS IS A THICK, MESSY LAYER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'bedaub' most appropriately used?