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.
“I will follow in Carlos Manzo’s footsteps,” she said through tears.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
The man was in tears afterwards, utterly spent, completely overcome.
From BBC • May 16, 2026
Perhaps these sentimental tears will run dry in the next generation.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
Tyson’s vulnerable side was also on display while speaking about his daughter dying tragically, God’s plan for him, and speaking about his mentor Cus D’Amato, which quite literally brought him to tears.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
I open my mouth, maybe to tell her that I’m fine, or maybe to tell her everything, but the ugly tears rush out.
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.