bleary-eyed
Americanadjective
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having bleary eyes.
-
dull of perception; shortsighted.
adjective
-
with eyes blurred, as with old age or after waking
-
physically or mentally unperceptive
Etymology
Origin of bleary-eyed
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As Lenny left the stage, an exodus of crying babies, sugar-crashed toddlers and bleary-eyed parents trickled down the steep stairs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
One morning in April, a bleary-eyed Michelle plopped into bed fully clothed after completing her grueling 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. shift.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026
Finally, I locate the correct exit and, bleary-eyed, take a taxi home.
From BBC ● May 23, 2025
Inside the Palais, bleary-eyed attendees are treated to gratis espresso.
From Seattle Times ● May 14, 2024
He was sitting bleary-eyed on the mattress, his elbows on his knees.
From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
