blush

1 of 2

noun

1
: outward appearance : view
at first blush
2
: a reddening of the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
3
: a red or rosy tint
4
: a cosmetic applied to the face to give a usually pink color or to accent the cheekbones
blushful adjective

blush

2 of 2

verb

blushed; blushing; blushes

intransitive verb

1
: to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
2
: to feel shame or embarrassment
3
: to have a rosy or fresh color : bloom

Examples of blush in a Sentence

Noun The comment brought a blush to her cheeks. The fruit is yellow, with a blush of pink. She put on a little lipstick and blush. Verb He blushed at the compliment. I blush to admit it, but you've caught me in an error.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
As usual, makeup artist Lauren Elise Child was behind Megan's precise brows, fluttery lashes, and a peachy rose blush, paired with a light wash of shadow on her lids. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 Apr. 2024 After adding a bit of bronzer, blush, and highlighter, my skin is glowing! Kylee McGuigan, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for blush 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blush.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from blusshen

Verb

Middle English blusshen, from Old English blyscan to redden; akin to Old English blȳsa flame, Old High German bluhhen to burn brightly

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blush was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near blush

Cite this Entry

“Blush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blush. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

blush

1 of 2 verb
1
: to become red in the face especially from shame, confusion, or embarrassment
2
: to feel shame or embarrassment
3
: to have a rosy color : bloom
blusher noun

blush

2 of 2 noun
1
: outward appearance : view
at first blush
2
: a reddening of the face especially from shame, confusion, or embarrassment
3
: a red or rosy tint

Medical Definition

blush

intransitive verb
: to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
blush noun

More from Merriam-Webster on blush

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