bloodshot

adjective

blood·​shot ˈbləd-ˌshät How to pronounce bloodshot (audio)
of an eye
: inflamed to redness

Examples of bloodshot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An officer observed that Castillo allegedly had watery and bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2024 Before becoming the bloodshot boozehound on Shameless, Oscar nominee William H. Macy already had a prolific career, starring in major films like Fargo (1996) Boogie Nights (1997), Air Force One (1997), Pleasantville (1998), Jurassic Park III (2001), and Seabiscuit (2003). Huntley Woods, EW.com, 13 Nov. 2023 The affidavit added that Young’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slurred. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2024 The media contingent around Goodson swelled as Taylor finished his own media availability — the backup running back stood tall, but his eyes were bloodshot. Chloe Peterson, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Jan. 2024 His speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot. Bob Sandrick, cleveland, 16 Sep. 2023 As the year rolls on, some of us are still constantly sneezing and fighting the urge to rub our itchy, bloodshot eyes with the changing of the seasons. Kelsey Castañon, refinery29.com, 14 Sep. 2023 The only evidence of the accident are his bruised, bloodshot eyes. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 3 Sep. 2023 The man, who was not injured, had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. cleveland, 10 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bloodshot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodshot was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near bloodshot

Cite this Entry

“Bloodshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodshot. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bloodshot

adjective
blood·​shot -ˌshät How to pronounce bloodshot (audio)
: red and inflamed
bloodshot eyes

Medical Definition

bloodshot

adjective
blood·​shot ˈbləd-ˌshät How to pronounce bloodshot (audio)
of an eye
: inflamed to redness

More from Merriam-Webster on bloodshot

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