black eye

noun

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

Examples of black eye 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.
Taylor said that a common feature in the uncommon butterfly is maroon eyes, and that the photos Gehin captured show the butterfly with black eyes, making the appearance an even rarer occurrence. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025 The filing also included pictures of Richards with a black eye. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025 According to a probable cause affidavit written by SJPD homicide detectives, an acquaintance of the three defendants told police that sometime in April, the victim fought and inflicted a black eye on Flores-Gonzalez. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2025 Photos of her black eye, which were previously entered into evidence, show a massive purple, bordering on black, bruise that extends from her eyelid to the top of her left cheekbone. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for black eye

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

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Cite this Entry

“Black eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20eye. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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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