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Synonyms

bloodshot

American  
[bluhd-shot] / ˈblʌdˌʃɒt /

adjective

  1. (of the eyes) red because of dilated blood vessels.


bloodshot British  
/ ˈblʌdˌʃɒt /

adjective

  1. (of an eye) inflamed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bloodshot

1545–55; apocopated variant of blood-shotten. See blood, shotten

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.

See Examples For:

"So we came out in the night hours, we went to the bush. There's a mountain up there, we slept there," said the 31-year-old, his eyes bloodshot.

From Barron's Jun. 3, 2026

In the morning, she says she had a bloodshot eye.

From BBC Sep. 8, 2024

“Her hijab was off. Her eyes were bloodshot red. There were tears going down her cheeks. She was hunched over squealing,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times May 10, 2024

Balzak’s bloodshot, bulging eyes were locked on every movement of her hand as she took him through various activities designed to check his health and attitude.

From Seattle Times Nov. 19, 2023

A rash of stubble was on his chin and his eyes were bloodshot.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss

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