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.
The approach not only reversed naturally occurring cartilage loss in older animals, but also protected mice from developing arthritis after knee injuries similar to ACL tears in people.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
The two threads come together as Macaria, who has run out of magic tears, makes a final, fatal bargain with the Señora in order to save the baby and secure Pina’s future.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
Speaking through tears, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi made a desperate plea for the life of her eldest son, Anojan Sivarasa.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
"Definitely cried happy tears, and called my mother immediately."
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026
Lucy tears off a section of frybread with a strawberry slice on it, holds it out to you.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
![]()
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.