eye
eye — noun
1. each of the pair of facial body parts that you use for seeing
each of the pair of facial body parts that you use for seeing
Élise has bright green eyes and long eyelashes.
adjective + eye for describing appearance
The doctor asked Quinn to open his eyes wide during the check-up.
open one's eyes
Dust blew into Hana's eye while she was cycling home.
Vinícius rubbed his tired eyes after studying all night.
rub one's eyes
Cats can see well in the dark because their eyes let in more light than human eyes.
- blue / brown / green eyes
- close your eyes
- open your eyes
- rub your eyes
- eye colour
Common Mistakes
2. a small brown spot on the skin of a potato that later produces a fresh plant sho
a small brown spot on the skin of a potato that later produces a fresh plant shoot
Zuri cut the potato into pieces with at least one eye on each piece.
cut potato into pieces with an eye
The gardener showed Walid how to plant potatoes with the eyes pointing up.
plant potatoes with eyes pointing up
Before planting, Sari removed any rotten spots but kept the healthy eyes.
New stems grow from the eyes of a potato once the soil is warm.
stems grow from eyes
- potato eye
- plant with eyes
Usage Note
Most commonly used with potatoes in gardening contexts; the word 'bud' is a more general term for the same idea on any plant.
3. the tiny hole near the tip of a sewing needle where the thread goes in
the tiny hole near the tip of a sewing needle where the thread goes in
Christopher held the needle up to the window light to find the eye.
find the eye of a needle
Noa pushed the thread through the eye of the needle on the first try.
push thread through the eye
The eye of a sewing needle is very small, so good lighting helps.
Pim bought needles with larger eyes so his grandmother could use them more easily.
needles with larger eyes
- eye of a needle
- thread through the eye
Usage Note
Also refers to a small loop on a hook-and-eye fastener used on clothing, or any similar small opening in a tool.
4. the natural physical ability to see things and to tell what they look like
the natural physical ability to see things and to tell what they look like
A pilot needs very good eyes to land a plane safely in stormy weather.
good eyes = good eyesight
Reading in dim light can strain your eyes and make it harder to see clearly.
strain one's eyes
As people grow older, their eyes naturally lose the power to focus on close objects.
Élise went for an eye test because she could not read the bus numbers from far away.
eye test / eye exam
A sudden flash of bright light made everyone in the room shut their eyes.
- good / poor eyes
- strain your eyes
- eye test
- lose your eyes
Usage Note
Frequently used in phrases like 'good eyes', 'weak eyes', or 'lose your eyes' to describe the quality of a person's physical vision. Distinguish from sense 1 (BODY PART), which refers to the physical organ itself rather than its function.
5. the skill of making good judgments about how things look, or about what is beaut
the skill of making good judgments about how things look, or about what is beautiful or of high quality
Hana has a good eye for colour and always chooses beautiful clothes.
have a good eye for something
The art dealer's trained eye could spot a forged painting in seconds.
trained eye
In the eyes of many critics, this film is the best of the year.
in the eyes of someone = from someone's point of view
From a design point of view, Quinn has an eye for clean modern shapes.
With her sharp eye for detail, Noa noticed the spelling mistake in the report.
sharp eye for detail
- have an eye for
- trained eye
- sharp eye
- good eye
- in the eyes of
- eye for detail
- taste
closer to personal preference; weaker on the judgment/discernment side
- discernment
more formal and implies careful, accurate judgment; similar in meaning but less common in everyday speech
- perception
broader — can be about noticing anything, not just visual quality
Usage Note
Used in fixed patterns like 'an eye for something' (a natural talent for noticing or judging), 'in the eyes of' (from a particular point of view), and 'to my eye' (in my opinion). The preposition 'for' typically follows 'eye' when describing a natural talent.
Common Mistakes
6. the quiet, wind-free area found right at the middle of a storm such as a hurrica
the quiet, wind-free area found right at the middle of a storm such as a hurricane or typhoon
When the eye of the typhoon passed overhead, the wind suddenly stopped.
eye of the typhoon / hurricane
Weather satellites can measure the size of a storm's eye from space.
size of a storm's eye
The hurricane's eye was sixty miles wide, with clear blue sky in the centre.
Birds can get trapped inside the eye of a storm and carried far from land.
- eye of the storm
- eye of the hurricane
- storm's eye
- centre
general term for the middle of anything; 'eye' is the specific meteorological term
Usage Note
Used almost exclusively in weather reporting and discussions of tropical cyclones. 'The eye of the storm' is also used as a metaphor (not covered in this sense) for being at the centre of a difficult or controversial situation.
to watch something carefully so that it stays safe or does not get into trouble
Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?
Walid kept an eye on the soup as it began to boil on the stove.
catch someone's eye
idiomto attract someone's attention, especially by the way you look or by making eye contact
A bright red car in the parking lot caught my eye immediately.
The waiter caught Hana's eye and brought her another glass of water.
to agree completely with someone about something
Quinn and his brother rarely see eye to eye on political issues.
The two managers do not see eye to eye about the company budget.
to pretend not to notice something, usually because you do not want to deal with it
The teacher turned a blind eye to the students whispering during class.
City officials turned a blind eye to illegal parking near the market.
extremely quickly, so fast that you barely notice it happen
The cat disappeared into the bushes in the blink of an eye.
Summer vacation was over in the blink of an eye.
something that is more complicated, interesting, or important than it first appears to be
The old building looks simple, but there is more to it than meets the eye.
Christopher's quiet manner hides more than meets the eye.
the person that someone loves the most and is very proud of
Little Sari is the apple of her grandfather's eye.
Their youngest son has always been the apple of their eye.
to be naturally good at noticing or judging a particular thing, such as colour, design, or quality
Vinícius has an eye for photography and always frames his shots perfectly.
A good editor has an eye for small mistakes in writing.
A person or thing that is loved more than anyone or anything else.
Little Sara is the apple of her grandfather's eye.
That vintage car is the apple of his eye.
Reaching to the horizon, where the sky meets the land or sea.
The desert stretched out as far as the eye could see.
From the hill, fields of wheat extended as far as the eye could see.
To quickly open and close your eyes in a way meant to be attractive.
She batted her eyelashes at the photographer.
He batted his eyes playfully at his date.
be all eyes
idiomTo watch someone or something very carefully and with great interest.
The children were all eyes as the magician performed.
During the science demo, the class was all eyes.
Different people have different opinions about what is beautiful.
She loves abstract art, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Some find the painting ugly, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
In someone's presence; right in front of them.
The car crashed before our very eyes.
He watched his house burn down before his eyes.
To have a very large amount of something to deal with.
She is up to her eyes in homework this weekend.
We are up to our eyes in wedding preparations.
A view from a high position looking down at something.
From the tower, we had a bird's-eye view of the city.
The drone gave us a bird's-eye view of the stadium.
To look at or examine something quickly.
Could you run your eyes over this contract?
She cast an eye over the menu and ordered.
catch somebody’s eye
idiomTo attract someone's attention.
The bright red dress caught my eye in the shop window.
He waved to catch the waiter's eye.
To see someone or something.
I haven't clapped eyes on my cousin for years.
She fell in love the moment she laid eyes on him.
To look at or listen to someone or something carefully and with full attention.
The dog cocked an ear at the strange noise.
She cocked an eye at the suspicious package.
easy on the ear/eye
idiomPleasant to listen to or look at.
The soft music was easy on the ear.
The garden's colors were easy on the eye.
easy on the eye
idiomPleasant to look at.
The new design is very easy on the eye.
She wore a dress that was easy on the eye.
my eye!
idiomUsed to show that you do not believe someone or something.
"It's a real diamond." "Diamond, my eye!"
He said he was a doctor. Doctor, my eye!
The idea that a person should be punished by doing to them what they did to someone else.
The old law was based on an eye for an eye.
He believes in an eye for an eye, not forgiveness.
Used to say that someone has taken more food than they can eat.
I took too much food; my eyes were bigger than my stomach.
Her eyes are bigger than her stomach, as usual.
To look at someone or something with great pleasure.
Feast your eyes on this beautiful sunset.
He feasted his eyes on the painting for hours.
To be seen only by a particular person.
This letter is for your eyes only.
The document is marked "for the manager's eyes only."
get your eye in
idiomTo practice so that you can make good judgments about a task or activity.
After a few throws, he got his eye in and hit the target.
She needs to get her eye in before the match.
To watch someone carefully, especially to check that they do not do anything wrong.
The teacher had her eye on the noisy students.
The security guard has his eye on the suspicious man.
To be thinking about buying something.
I have my eye on a new laptop.
She has her eye on that blue dress in the window.
To be aware of everything happening around you, even things that are hard to see.
My mom has eyes in the back of her head.
The coach seems to have eyes in the back of his head.
To be able to notice or see everything.
The editor has eyes like a hawk for typos.
My grandmother has eyes like a hawk; she spots everything.
To watch something while doing something else, often secretly.
During the meeting, she had one eye on the clock.
He had half an eye on the TV while cooking.
have a roving eye
idiomTo always look for the chance to start a new sexual relationship.
He has a roving eye and flirts with everyone.
Her husband has a roving eye, which causes problems.
To be very obvious to someone.
The mistake hit me right in the eye.
The solution hit her straight in the eye.
in somebody’s eyes
idiomIn someone's opinion or according to their view of the situation.
In her eyes, he can do no wrong.
In my eyes, that was a brave decision.
According to the law, most people, etc.
In the eyes of the law, he is innocent until proven guilty.
In the eyes of the world, she is a hero.
in the public eye
idiomWell known to many people through media.
Celebrities are constantly in the public eye.
She dislikes being in the public eye.
Very quickly.
The car disappeared in the twinkling of an eye.
In the twinkling of an eye, the bird flew away.
To watch someone or something carefully.
Keep a close eye on the soup so it doesn't boil over.
The nurse kept a close watch on the patient.
To listen or look for someone or something that you might hear or see.
Keep your eyes open for a blue car.
Keep your ears open for any news.
To take care of someone or something and make sure they are safe.
Can you keep an eye on my bag for a minute?
She kept an eye on the children while they played.
To continue giving your attention to what is most important.
In business, you must keep your eye on the ball.
He lost the game because he took his eye off the ball.
To look for someone or something while doing other things.
Keep an eye out for a parking spot.
She kept an eye open for her friend in the crowd.
To look out for someone or something that you might see.
Keep your eyes open for any signs of trouble.
He kept his eyes open for a good restaurant.
To look out for someone or something that you might see.
Keep your eyes peeled for a gas station.
She kept her eyes skinned for any mistakes.
To watch someone or something carefully in case you need to take action.
Keep a weather eye on the stock market.
The coach kept a weather eye on the opposing team.
To look directly at someone without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
Can you look me in the eye and tell the truth?
She looked him in the face and apologized.
To look at someone in a way that shows you find them sexually attractive.
He was making eyes at her across the room.
She gave him the eye from across the bar.
To look directly at someone as they look at you; when two people look directly at each other.
She was too shy to meet his eye.
Their eyes met across the crowded room.
your mind’s eye
idiomYour imagination.
In his mind's eye, he saw a beautiful beach.
She pictured the scene in her mind's eye.
the naked eye
idiomThe normal power of your eyes without using any instruments.
The star is visible to the naked eye.
Germs are too small for the naked eye to see.
not bat an eyelid
idiomTo show no surprise or concern when something unusual happens.
She didn't bat an eyelid when she heard the news.
He didn't bat an eyelid at the huge bill.
To be very surprised at something you hear or see.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the mess.
She couldn't believe her ears when he proposed.
To be very surprised at something you see.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price.
He couldn't believe his eyes at the beautiful view.
Used to say that everyone was very emotional about something.
At the end of the movie, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
During the speech, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
To not share the same views as someone about something.
They don't see eye to eye on politics.
She and her brother don't see eye to eye about money.
To find someone or something so interesting or attractive that you watch them all the time.
He couldn't take his eyes off the painting.
She couldn't take her eyes off the baby.
A result or action that is a disappointment or defeat for someone or something.
Her promotion was one in the eye for her critics.
The new law is one in the eye for criminals.
To be in love with only one particular person.
He only has eyes for his wife.
She has eyes only for her boyfriend.
To realize or make someone realize the truth about something.
Traveling opened her eyes to different cultures.
The documentary opened my eyes to the problem.
please the eye
idiomTo be very attractive to look at.
The garden's design pleases the eye.
Her dress pleased the eye with its bright colors.
To hide your real actions or intentions from someone by making them believe something false.
He tried to pull the wool over her eyes, but she saw through it.
Don't let them pull the wool over your eyes.
To think about or see something the way another person sees it.
Try to see the situation through her eyes.
The story is told through the eyes of a child.
To see something accidentally or not clearly because you are not looking straight at it.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a cat run by.
She saw a movement out of the corner of her eye.
To pretend not to notice something so you do not have to deal with it.
You can't close your eyes to the problem.
She shut her eyes to his bad behavior.
A person or thing that you are very happy to see; something very pleasant to look at.
After a long trip, the hotel was a sight for sore eyes.
You're a sight for sore eyes! I missed you.
To stop giving your attention to what is most important.
He took his eye off the ball and lost the game.
Don't take your eye off the ball during the project.
A person or thing is more complicated or interesting than they first appear.
There is more to her than meets the eye.
The old house has more to it than meets the eye.
To pretend not to notice something bad so you do not have to deal with it.
The teacher turned a blind eye to the cheating.
They turned a blind eye to the rule breaking.
Being watched carefully by someone.
The children played under the watchful eye of their nanny.
He worked under the eye of his supervisor.
If a person does not know about something bad, it cannot hurt them.
I didn't tell her about the mistake; what the eye doesn't see...
He ate the cake while she was out; what the eye doesn't see...
With the hope of using a situation to gain an advantage for yourself.
He always acts with an eye to the main chance.
She invested with an eye on the main chance.
with your eyes open
idiomFully aware of the possible problems or results of an action.
She went into the deal with her eyes open.
He accepted the job with his eyes open.
Very easily, without having to think about it.
I could drive that route with my eyes shut.
She can solve that puzzle with her eyes closed.
With the intention of doing something.
He bought the land with an eye to building a house.
She studied hard with an eye to getting a scholarship.
eye — verb
1. to watch someone or something steadily and with great attention, often in a way
to watch someone or something steadily and with great attention, often in a way that shows suspicion or strong interest
The security guard eyed the stranger suspiciously as he walked past the gate.
eye + adverb (suspiciously / warily)
Padma eyed the last piece of cake, wondering if anyone else wanted it.
The cat eyed the bird on the fence without moving a single muscle.
eye + prey / object of interest
Élise eyed her opponent across the chessboard, planning her next move.
Home buyers eyed the house with caution after noticing cracks in the wall.
eye something with caution / doubt
- eye suspiciously
- eye warily
- eye with caution
- eye the competition
- watch
more general and neutral; can be for longer periods without the same intensity
- study
implies careful, detailed examination over time; more formal
- examine
focused on inspection and checking; less emotional than 'eye'
- scrutinise
very close, critical examination; more formal and academic
- ignore
to deliberately not look at or pay attention to something
Grammar Patterns
eye + noun phrase
Usage Note
Stronger and more specific than 'look at' or 'watch'. Usually implies a fixed, deliberate gaze that shows suspicion, desire, or close attention. Common with adverbs: 'eye warily', 'eye suspiciously', 'eye hungrily'.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- eyeballnounB1
- eyebrownounA2
- eyelashnounA2
- eyelidnounB1
- eyesightnounB1
- eyewitnessnounB2
- eyebrownounA2
- eye-catchingadjectiveB2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/4
These four words all relate to the ability to see, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Eyesight' (B1) is the most straightforward word for how well a person can see — you go for an 'eyesight test' and worry about 'poor eyesight'. 'Vision' (B1-B2) is slightly more formal and has a broader meaning: it can refer to the biological sense ('night vision', 'peripheral vision') or to a future idea (not discussed here). 'Sight' (A2-B1) is the simplest and most general word for the physical sense itself — 'lose your sight' simply means become unable to see. 'Perception' (B2-C1) is more abstract and cognitive: it involves how the brain interprets what the eyes see, not just the physical act. Example: 'Quinn's eyesight worsened, but his perception of shapes and colours was still excellent.'
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'eye' comes from the Old English 'ēage' (pronounced roughly 'AY-ah-geh'), which traces back through the Germanic branch of Indo-European to the ancient root '*okw-', meaning 'to see'. This same root gave rise to the Latin 'oculus' (eye) and the Greek 'opsis' (sight or view). The modern spelling 'eye' emerged in the Middle English period after the Great Vowel Shift changed pronunciation.