eye contact

American  

noun

1. the act of looking directly into another's eyes.

   We never made eye contact at any time during the interview.

2. Psychology. a meeting of the eyes of two persons, regarded as a meaningful nonverbal form of communication.

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eye contact British  

noun

1. a direct look between two people; meeting of eyes

   he maintained eye contact with his interrogator

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Etymology

Origin of eye contact

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

If you encounter a coyote, keep a safe distance and back away slowly while maintaining eye contact, according to the agency.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Some sipped coffees, and looked around, avoided eye contact, and waited.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2026

The company is holding trainings this month to emphasize its expectations, including eye contact with customers and meaningful phases written on to-go cups, according to baristas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

This work builds on Lipson's long-running effort to help robots form more natural connections with people by learning facial behaviors such as smiling, eye contact, and speech.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

She’s holding eye contact like she wants this to sink in.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell