black eye

noun

1

: a discoloration of the skin around the eye from bruising

2

a

: defeat, setback

b

: a bad reputation

Examples of black eye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the wake of a larger, ongoing reckoning among lawmakers about ethics on Capitol Hill, the embarrassing situation has become a black eye for both Edwards and the GOP more broadly. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Richards accused Phypers of giving her a black eye after police responded to an argument at his home while his cousin was there. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

Yikes, the completely black eyes might take some getting used to. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

With a black eye and an empty wallet, Tony decides to leave on the next morning’s ferry, but a chance encounter with Nancy changes his mind. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for black eye

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

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