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.
Per Billboard, Scott reportedly ruptured Rhodes' eardrum and suffered a black eye. Marina Watts, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Prince’s ex-girlfriend said she was strangled during the fight, but had no visible injuries; Prince, who had a black eye, said she was punched in the eye, according to the police report. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2025 The high school junior suffered a cut to the head, a black eye, and a bruised body. Carlos Suarez, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Rhodes suffered a busted eardrum and a black eye during the assault. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 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 23 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

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