black-and-blue

adjective

ˌbla-kən-ˈblü How to pronounce black-and-blue (audio)
: darkly discolored from blood effused by bruising

Word History

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black-and-blue was in 1568

Dictionary Entries Near black-and-blue

blackamoor

black-and-blue

black-and-tan

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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

black-and-blue

adjective
ˌblak-ən-ˈblü
: darkly discolored as the result of a bruise

Medical Definition

black-and-blue

adjective
ˌblak-ən-ˈblü How to pronounce black-and-blue (audio)
: darkly discolored from blood effused by bruising

More from Merriam-Webster on black-and-blue

Nglish: Translation of black-and-blue for Spanish Speakers

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