eye candy

American  

noun

1. Slang. someone or something that is visually attractive or pleasing but is usually considered to lack worth or merit.

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eye candy British  

noun

1. a person who is or people considered highly attractive to look at, often implying that they are but lacking in intelligence or depth

2. something intended to be attractive to the eye without being demanding or contributing anything essential

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Etymology

Origin of eye candy

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

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

Aesthetes visiting after a year’s absence will find an abundance of eye candy in neighborhoods like TriBeCa, Chelsea and the Lower East Side.

From New York Times • May 3, 2024

Yard displays are a way to celebrate the Halloween spirit while providing ghoulish eye candy for the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2023

Nor did the kings skimp on eye candy for the home audience of Alexandrian Greeks.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro