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

But unlike fruit flies, these pests have black eyes (not red), distinctive humped backs, and heavier, thicker-veined wings. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026

An elderly man with a black eye was greeted with applause after his rescue. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

Sporting a nasty black eye — cue the Spurs injury jokes — sustained in their 2-2 draw with Japan, his World Cup debut, Van Hecke completed his medical in Kansas City, where the Netherlands are based. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 20 June 2026

The shop recently unveiled a large number of new toys in their online store, including a collection of plush toys that seem to be inspired by the trendy Jellycat plushes, with black eyes and smiley faces stitched onto everyday objects and foods. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 16 June 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