# bruise

/ˈbɹuz/ (US) · /bɹˈuːz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bruise
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a dark mark on your skin that appears after you get hit or fall down. It usually changes color from purple to yellow as it heals.

For teachers: an injury appearing as an area of discoloured skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels.

## Examples

- I have a large bruise on my leg from the fall.
- The doctor checked the dark bruise on the patient's arm to ensure no bones were broken during the accident.
- While the physical bruise faded within a fortnight, the psychological impact of the collision lingered much longer, manifesting as a newfound hesitation whenever she approached a busy intersection.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'get', 'have', or 'leave'.

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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.