Meaning of the word stale in English

What does stale mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

stale

US /steɪl/

UK /steɪl/

no longer fresh and pleasant to eat; hard, dry, or moldy.

Example:

•

The bread went stale after a few days.

•

Don't eat those stale cookies.

Synonym:

dry hard old mouldy spoiled

no longer new and interesting; dull or unoriginal.

Example:

•

His jokes are getting a bit stale.

•

The debate felt stale and uninspired.

Synonym:

dull unoriginal hackneyed trite uninspired

to make or become stale.

Example:

•

Leaving the cake uncovered will stale it quickly.

•

The long, repetitive work began to stale his enthusiasm.

Synonym:

spoil deteriorate decay go off wither