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

Then, Carrington struck Clark in the eye while defending a pass during the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, leading to the latter having a black eye. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Arnoldo alleged that agents punched him, leaving him with a visible black eye days later. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

With their slender, metallic green bodies and prominent black eyes, emerald ash borers have a striking, jewel-like appearance. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

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

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