# blushing

/ˈbɫəʃɪŋ/ (US) · /blˈʌʃɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blushing
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

having a red face because you feel embarrassed, shy, or ashamed.

For teachers: showing a pink or red glow in the face, typically as a physiological response to embarrassment, modesty, or shame. Often used as a participial adjective to describe a person's appearance or a specific facial reaction.

## Examples

- The blushing student looked down at his desk.
- She tried to hide her blushing face behind her hands after the teacher praised her work in front of the class.
- The novel captures the protagonist's transition from a blushing, naive youth to a confident leader who no longer falters under the public gaze.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'look', or 'become'; also functions as an attributive adjective before a noun.

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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.