eyestrain

noun

eye·​strain ˈī-ˌstrān How to pronounce eyestrain (audio)
: weariness or a strained state of the eye

Examples of eyestrain in a Sentence

After looking at the computer screen all day she had eyestrain and a stiff neck.
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.
Your eyes Staring at a smartphone or tablet screen for extended periods of time can cause eyestrain. — Heather Kelly, Washington Post, 11 July 2024 Doing this leads to severe eyestrain, which again can be harmful, especially to children. — IEEE Spectrum, 1 Mar. 2013 Instead, people deprived of sleep may experience issues such as blurry vision, eyestrain and trouble focusing. — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Over time, that constant effort can lead to noticeable eyestrain, headaches or fatigue –particularly after reading, computer work or other close-up tasks. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eyestrain

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eyestrain was in 1874

Rhymes for eyestrain

See All Rhymes for eyestrain

Browse Nearby Words

eyestalk
eyestrain
eyestrings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eyestrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eyestrain. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

eyestrain

noun
eye·​strain -ˌstrān How to pronounce eyestrain (audio)
: weariness or a strained state of the eye

Medical Definition

eyestrain

noun
eye·​strain ˈī-ˌstrān How to pronounce eyestrain (audio)
: weariness or a strained state of the eye

More from Merriam-Webster on eyestrain

Nglish: Translation of eyestrain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eyestrain

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