tears
Britishplural noun
-
the clear salty solution secreted by the lacrimal glands that lubricates and cleanses the surface of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids
-
a state of intense frustration (esp in the phrase bored to tears )
-
weeping
-
presented so as to be easily assimilated
reading without tears
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.
Already bursting with passion to be world-premiering his directorial debut, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” Travolta was moved to tears.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Often, the only traces of a Gallrein appearance are posed photos shared afterward on his campaign Facebook page, the political equivalent of tears in the rain.
From Slate • May 19, 2026
The 72-year-old actor, who was at the film festival for the premiere of Propeller One-Way Night Coach, which he directed, held back tears when presented with the prize saying: "This is beyond the Oscar".
From BBC • May 15, 2026
In tears, she blurted: “How can you say that? Do you understand what’s going on? I would do anything to get cured.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
I keep going, one foot in front of the other, tears gumming up the back of my throat, until I feel I’m far enough away that they won’t find me.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
