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.
During the press conference, Musk appeared to have a black eye. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 Musk appeared to have a black eye on the right side of his face on Friday in the Oval Office alongside President Donald Trump. Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025 Priest, sporting a black eye, called out Jacob Fatu. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Piper escapes and is picked up by her goalball coach, who was apparently coming to check on her after seeing her black eye earlier that day. Megan McCluskey, Time, 30 May 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 3 Jun. 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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