blush

1 of 2

noun

ˈbləsh 

1

: outward appearance : view

at first blush

2

: a reddening of the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion

3

: a red or rosy tint

4

: a cosmetic applied to the face to give a usually pink color or to accent the cheekbones

blushful

ˈbləsh-fəl 

adjective

blush

2 of 2

verb

blushed; blushing; blushes

intransitive verb

1

: to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion

2

: to feel shame or embarrassment

3

: to have a rosy or fresh color : bloom

Synonyms

Noun

• bloom
• color
• flush

Verb

• bloom
• color
• crimson
• flush
• glow
• redden

Examples of blush in a Sentence

Noun

The comment brought a blush to her cheeks.

The fruit is yellow, with a blush of pink.

She put on a little lipstick and blush.

Verb

He blushed at the compliment.

I blush to admit it, but you've caught me in an error.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Its sheer, buildable tint is so easy to use (just break the balm with your finger and pat it on) and its large range of colors acts as a natural-looking blush, bronzer, highlighter, even eye shadow. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024

Although mocha mousse makeup is trending, lip gloss replaced lipstick and blush was preferred over eyeshadow this week. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

Colbert asked as Carpenter covered her face and blushed. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024

Blame it on Dior (who had a long love affair with the bloom) and Funny Face (in which Audrey Hepburn carries it as a fashion model playing the blushing bride). —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from blusshen

Verb

Middle English blusshen, from Old English blyscan to redden; akin to Old English blȳsa flame, Old High German bluhhen to burn brightly

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing blush

• at first blush
• blush wine

Kids Definition

blush

1 of 2 verb

ˈbləsh 

1

: to become red in the face especially from shame, confusion, or embarrassment

2

: to feel shame or embarrassment

3

: to have a rosy color : bloom

blusher noun

blush

2 of 2 noun

1

: outward appearance : view

at first blush

2

: a reddening of the face especially from shame, confusion, or embarrassment

3

: a red or rosy tint

Medical Definition

blush

intransitive verb

ˈbləsh 

: to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion

blush noun