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 In 2019, Carter suffered a black eye in a fall and was later hospitalized with a fractured pelvis incurred in a separate fall. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2023 He is said to be 5 feet, 7 inches, weighing 160 pounds with black hair and black eyes, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Nov. 2023 The lawsuit also describes several incidents where Combs’ alleged physical abuse left her with bruises and black eyes. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2023 The model completed her look with heavy black eye makeup and a simple light brown lipstick. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023 By Elizabeth Logan Far from pearl-clutching over the hint of butt crack and side boob, many of Shayk's followers were disturbed by the 37-year-old model's makeup look, which is intended to mimic a black eye and a bruised lip. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2023 But talking here about a black eye for the sport on a Thursday evening, nobody watches that in European time, anyway. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2023 The employee punched the resident, who ended up with a black eye and bruising around the eyebrow. Rose Lundy, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2023 The harvest is black eyes for Dias, the University of Rochester and Nature. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2023 See More

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 6 Dec. 2023.

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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