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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The floor was red (through bloodshot eyes). — New York Times, 10 June 2026 Other signs may include a rash or spots of blood under the skin, hiccups, bruising and red, bloodshot eyes. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 Signs of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting and drooling, being weak or lethargic, bright red gums and bloodshot eyes. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Tiger Eye has yellow flowers with a bloodshot look that’s highlighted with deep red venation. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bloodshot

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

Rhymes for bloodshot

See All Rhymes for bloodshot

Browse Nearby Words

bloodshedding
bloodshot
bloodshotten
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bloodshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodshot. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Nglish: Translation of bloodshot for Spanish Speakers

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