eye contact

noun

: visual contact with another person's eyes

Examples of eye contact in a Sentence

He maintained eye contact with me throughout the conversation. The speaker made eye contact with audience members. The jury avoided eye contact with the defendant as the verdict was read.
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.
Codey can hold eye contact, respond to emotional states and is aware of his surroundings. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 June 2026 In person, Huang subdues his ironic braggadocio with polite eye contact and rolling belly laughs at his own jokes. — Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Just as Derek seems to have talked him down, April rushes into the scene, forcing Clark to lose eye contact with Derek. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026 Think about a teen trying to engage in a meaningful conversation but unable to maintain their parent’s eye contact because the parent is distracted answering texts. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for eye contact

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eye contact was in 1942

Rhymes for eye contact

See All Rhymes for eye contact

Browse Nearby Words

eye color
eye contact
eyecup
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eye contact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eye%20contact. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

eye contact

noun
: the act of looking another person straight in the eye

Medical Definition

eye contact

noun
: visual contact with another person's eyes
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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