dry eye

noun

: a condition associated with inadequate tear production and marked by redness, itching, and burning of the eye

called also dry eye syndrome

Examples of dry eye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune condition that can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, and fatigue. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

Because there was not a dry eye in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom. — Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2026

Research suggests that about 50% of women going through the menopausal transition experience dry eye symptoms, including red, watery or gritty-feeling eyes. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

Women in midlife are already prone to dry eyes disease thanks to hormonal changes, and summer can make symptoms worse. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dry eye

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• bonsai
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny

Medical Definition

dry eye

noun

: a condition associated with inadequate tear production and marked by redness of the conjunctiva, by itching and burning of the eye, and usually by filaments of desquamated epithelial cells adhering to the cornea

called also keratoconjunctivitis sicca