black eye

noun

1
: a discoloration of the skin around the eye from bruising
2
b
: a bad reputation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Buckeyes' offense will be put to the test with games against Iowa and Penn State to end October, though Michigan's running game gave the Nittany Lions a black eye in Saturday's 41-17 win. Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2022 In their mugshots, Engelson has cuts and some facial contusions, and Adam has a black eye, swelling, and cuts on his face. Amanda Milkovits, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2022 Busy kitchens generate a lot of trash and overflowing, smelly garbage bags can give even the most beautiful of kitchens a black eye. Jordan Goldberg, Good Housekeeping, 27 Apr. 2022 Many will see this as voters turning a blind eye to one of the most flagrant examples of #MeToo the industry has seen… and as giving the Academy a black eye in turn. Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2022 Back in 2014, Sandler also had a black eye during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with his Blended costar Drew Barrymore. Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE.com, 6 June 2022 The ultimate black eye: At less than 74 yards per game, San Diego State has been less productive through the air than run-early, run-late, run-always service academies Air Force, Army and Navy. Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2022 And Ramos had a black eye that looked to be several days old. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022 Flores had a black eye when investigators interviewed him. Fox News, 19 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'black eye.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Dictionary Entries Near black eye

Cite this Entry

“Black eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20eye. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on black eye

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