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.
The Adams case has already been a black eye for the law. The Editors, National Review, 21 Feb. 2025 The pair meet after the guy picks up a prescription for an extremely gnarly black eye, setting off a whirlwind romance that’s inevitably disrupted by — what else? — a grumpy parent. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025 The lack of transparency is a black eye for the BBWAA, which really needs to change its rules and start revealing all HOF ballots. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 In his on-camera interview, Jason details an incident on a private plane in which Matlin emerged from a room with Hurt with a black eye. Jack Smart, People.com, 23 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Black eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20eye. Accessed 4 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!