bloodshot

adjective

blood·​shot ˈbləd-ˌshät How to pronounce bloodshot (audio)
of an eye
: inflamed to redness

Examples of bloodshot 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.
State police noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Jackson and noticed his bloodshot eyes that suggested alcohol use, state police said. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 His face was no longer red, and his eyes were bright – no longer dilated or bloodshot. — Scott Jenkins, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026 My eyes were bloodshot from being open, staring at the ceiling. — Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 The floor was red (through bloodshot eyes). — New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bloodshot

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodshot was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bloodshot

See All Rhymes for bloodshot

Browse Nearby Words

bloodshedding
bloodshot
bloodshotten
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bloodshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodshot. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bloodshot

adjective
blood·​shot -ˌshät How to pronounce bloodshot (audio)
: red and inflamed
bloodshot eyes

Medical Definition

bloodshot

adjective
blood·​shot ˈbləd-ˌshät How to pronounce bloodshot (audio)
of an eye
: inflamed to redness

More from Merriam-Webster on bloodshot

Nglish: Translation of bloodshot for Spanish Speakers

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