# bloodshot

/blˈʌdʃɒt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bloodshot
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

red with tiny lines of blood, usually about eyes that are tired, sick, or irritated. You use it when someone has not slept well or has been crying.

For teachers: reddened and streaked with dilated blood vessels, typically describing eyes irritated by fatigue, illness, allergy, or alcohol. Usually applied to eyes, either before the noun or after a linking verb.

## Examples

- His eyes look red and bloodshot today.
- After a long night of studying, she arrives with bloodshot eyes and a strong cup of coffee.
- The driver stared through bloodshot eyes at the empty highway, the long hours behind the wheel written in every red line.

## Synonyms

red

## Usage notes

- Typically modifies 'eyes' or 'eye'; used both before the noun and after linking verbs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.