# blush

/ˈbɫəʃ/ (US) · /blˈʌʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blush
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. a red glow on the face

noun · CEFR B2

the pink or red colour that appears on your face when you are embarrassed.

For teachers: a reddening of the face caused by a rush of blood to the cheeks, typically triggered by emotional stimuli.

- A faint blush appeared on his cheeks as he admitted he was wrong.
- The sudden blush creeping across her face betrayed her true feelings, despite her attempt to remain composed during the interview.

### 3. makeup

noun · CEFR B2

a powder or cream used to make your cheeks look pink or red.

For teachers: a cosmetic substance, typically in powder or cream form, applied to the cheekbones to simulate a youthful or healthy glow.

- She applied a little blush to her cheeks before going out for dinner.
- The makeup artist selected a peach-toned blush to complement the model's warm skin undertones for the photo shoot.

### 4. technical coating failure

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

when paint or varnish turns white or cloudy because it was used in a wet or humid place.

For teachers: the development of a milky-white precipitate or cloudiness on a surface coating, such as dope or lacquer, caused by moisture trapped during application.

- The varnish began to blush because the workshop was too humid that day.
- Aviation technicians must monitor humidity levels carefully, as the cellulose dope used on fabric wings will blush if applied in damp conditions.

Usage: Used primarily in the context of painting, lacquering, or aviation maintenance.

## Examples

- She began to blush when everyone started singing to her.
- He couldn't help but blush when the teacher praised his essay in front of the whole class.
- Although she tried to maintain a professional composure, she felt herself blush as the interviewer pointed out the minor clerical error in her application.

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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.