English Reference

Word

blush

US/ˈbɫəʃ/

UK/blˈʌʃ/

Definitions

01to turn red from embarrassment

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to become red in the face because you feel shy, ashamed, or embarrassed.

v. to develop a pink or red glow in the face, typically as an involuntary reaction to emotional stress such as shame or modesty.

“He started to blush when the teacher praised his work in front of the whole class.”

“She couldn't help but blush when her colleagues unexpectedly began singing 'Happy Birthday' during the formal board meeting.”

Synonyms

flushredden

Antonyms

02aviation/technical coating

C2 · Proficiency Science Technical

v. when paint or varnish turns white or cloudy because it was used in a damp place.

v. to develop a cloudy or white surface precipitate on a finish, such as dope or varnish, usually caused by moisture trapped during application.

“The clear coat on the wing started to blush because the workshop was too humid.”

“If the technician applies the lacquer in high humidity without a retarder, the finish is likely to blush, necessitating a complete sand-down and reapplication.”

Usage

The verb is intransitive in this technical context.

Synonyms

03makeup

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a pink or red powder or cream that people put on their cheeks to add colour.

n. a cosmetic substance, typically in powder or cream form, applied to the cheekbones to simulate a natural flush.

“She applied a little bit of pink blush to her cheeks before the party.”

“The makeup artist selected a peach-toned blush to complement the model's warm skin tone under the bright studio lights.”

Synonyms

04a pink glow

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a pink or red colour on the face or in the sky.

n. a rosy or reddish glow, whether on the skin or appearing as a natural tint in the environment.

“The sky had a beautiful pink blush as the sun began to go down.”

“A faint blush of dawn appeared on the horizon, signaling the end of the long night watch.”

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“As she talks, she carefully dabs concealer under her eyes and adds some pink blush and highlighter to her cheeks.”
BBC 27 Apr 2026

Etymology

From Middle English blusshen, bluschen, blusschen, blisshen, from Old English blysċan (“to be red; shine”), perhaps from Proto-Germanic blaskijaną, from blasǭ (“burning candle; torch”) or alternatively from Proto-Germanic bluskijaną, from blusjǭ (“torch”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel-. Cognate with Middle Low German blöschen (“to blush”). Compare also Old English blysian (“to burn; blaze”), Dutch blozen (“to blush”), Danish blusse (“to blush”), Old Norse blys (“torch”), Danish blus (“blaze”).

Unknown; attested in the late 15th century.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

blush(B2)

Related words

Idioms

Domain

Aviation

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/blush

English Reference