stainless

American  

[steyn-lis] / ˈsteɪn lɪs /

adjective

1. having no stain; spotless.

2. made of stainless steel.

3. resistant to staining, rusting, the corrosive effect of chemicals, etc.

---

noun

1. flatware made of stainless steel.

2. stainless steel.

stainless British  

/ ˈsteɪnlɪs /

adjective

1. resistant to discoloration, esp discoloration resulting from corrosion; rust-resistant

   stainless steel

2. having no blemish

   a stainless reputation

---

noun

1. stainless steel

Other Word Forms

• stainlessly adverb
• stainlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of stainless

First recorded in 1580–90; stain + -less

Example Sentences

They deposited an extremely thin layer of thorium onto stainless steel using electroplating, a technique commonly used in jewelry.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2026

Exports of 300 specific steel products, including stainless steel, will be subject to authorities’ approval, according to a list published by the commerce ministry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Its stainless steel facade unfurls toward the river in faceted, reflective forms that contrast with the building’s campus-facing facade, a series of various-sized cubes wrapped in earth-toned brick, matching the rest of campus.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

The galley kitchen has a countertop with seats, stainless appliances, and a glossy marble floor.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

I went toward the microphone where Brother Jack himself waited, entering the spot of light that surrounded me like a seamless cage of stainless steel.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison