# eyed

/ˈaɪd/ (US) · /ˈaɪd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. looked at closely

verb · CEFR B2

looked at someone or something very carefully, often because you were suspicious or interested.

For teachers: observed someone or something with close attention, typically motivated by suspicion, curiosity, or desire.

- The security guard eyed the man in the heavy coat suspiciously.
- The detective eyed the witness throughout the interview, looking for any subtle physical cues that might suggest the statement was rehearsed.

### 2. having eyes

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

having eyes or markings that look like eyes.

For teachers: possessing eyes or eye-like markings; often used in biological descriptions.

- The eyed butterfly has large spots on its wings to scare away birds.
- The specimen was identified as an eyed lizard due to the distinctive ocelli decorating its flanks.

### 3. having a specific type of eyes

adjective · CEFR B2

used with another word to describe what kind of eyes someone has.

For teachers: functions as a combining form to describe the appearance, colour, or nature of a person's eyes.

- A blue-eyed boy was sitting on the bench reading a book.
- The sharp-eyed editor caught several small typos that the automated software had completely overlooked.

Usage: Always used in a compound with a preceding adjective, such as 'blue-eyed' or 'sharp-eyed'.

## Examples

- The cat eyed the bird through the window.
- The security guard eyed the group of teenagers as they walked slowly through the jewelry department.
- As the auctioneer began the bidding, several collectors eyed the rare painting with a mixture of intense longing and professional calculation.

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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.