eye candy
Americannoun
noun
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a person who is or people considered highly attractive to look at, often implying that they are but lacking in intelligence or depth
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something intended to be attractive to the eye without being demanding or contributing anything essential
Etymology
Origin of eye candy
First recorded in 1980–85
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.
The cake’s original version was covered in gold leaf, but aside from eye candy, you’re not missing anything without it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025
He likens the distinction between CGI and physical craftsmanship to the difference between "eye candy and eye protein", but adds he does use digital effects when absolutely necessary.
From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025
Though the aurora borealis is harmless eye candy, some of the particles flung at high speed by the sun towards earth can disrupt electronics on earth and in orbit.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2024
But in the director Jessica Stone’s stunning, emotional production, it leads with movement, eye candy and awe.
From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2024
Nor did the kings skimp on eye candy for the home audience of Alexandrian Greeks.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
