bleary-eyed

American  

[bleer-ee-ahyd] / ˈblɪər iˌaɪd /

Also blear-eyed

adjective

1. having bleary eyes.

2. dull of perception; shortsighted.

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bleary-eyed British  

adjective

1. with eyes blurred, as with old age or after waking

2. physically or mentally unperceptive

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Etymology

Origin of bleary-eyed

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

By the time dinner was over, the last thing I wanted to do was return to the kitchen — which meant greeting the wreckage the next morning, bleary-eyed, just trying to make coffee.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

Packing school lunches in the bleary-eyed dawn as we scoured the internet for rentals.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

Given the extent of Sunday's celebrations, the Scots would be forgiven for showing up bleary-eyed just 48 hours later in Lille, but a side featuring eight changes held their own for periods despite the scoreline.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2023

Lorenzen was bleary-eyed a day after the best outing of his career.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 10, 2023

Finally, on the morning of the fourth day, I caught Chester bleary-eyed over the water dish.

From "Bunnicula" by Deborah Howe and James Howe