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

And regardless of when that suspension comes, the new allegations are a black eye against Jacobs and the Packers by extension for continuing to support a player who carries an expanding list of domestic abuse allegations. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

For her glam, Hurley opted for a wavy red wig that cascaded down to her ribs and heavy black eye makeup, including thick liner and bold mascara. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026

Bickelhaupt was taken to the hospital in June 2025 with two black eyes and purple and bluish bruises. — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Madore is standing on her hind legs, her beady black eyes peeking out from underneath her woolly fur, looking at the viewer expectantly. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 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