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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Notice where the rocks are, which way the ground tilts, which branches could leave a black eye. Chad Graff, New York Times, 29 July 2025 Fans in Caesar’s Palace went crazy for the moment live, but many hardcore fans who had grown tired of Hogan’s act consider this—well—a black eye on the history of WrestleMania. 6. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Boxing conjures images of bruises, black eyes and bloody noses. Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025 Despite the three-story drop, the baby suffered only a small brain bleed, a hematoma to the side of her head a black eye and injuries to her elbow and shoulder. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for black eye

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

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Cite this Entry

“Black eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20eye. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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

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