black eye

noun

1
: a discoloration of the skin around the eye from bruising
2
b
: a bad reputation

Examples of black eye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Officers found the woman, who had a black eye and was bleeding from the neck. Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024 Cohn’s head is tilted down, his black eyes are tilted up (so that there’s half an inch of white at the bottom of them). Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for black eye 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black eye.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of black eye was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near black eye

Cite this Entry

“Black eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20eye. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

black eye

noun
: a dark discoloration of the skin around the eye as the result of a bruise

Medical Definition

black eye

noun
: a discoloration of the skin around the eye from bruising

More from Merriam-Webster on black eye

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