adj
Uncommon
blinking
Blinking (adj) means That blinks; flashing on and off. Example: “A blinking neon sign lit up the empty street.”
adj
1
That blinks; flashing on and off.
"A blinking neon sign lit up the empty street."
2
British informal: used to add mild emphasis, similar to "bloody" but much milder.
"Where's the blinking remote control?"
How to use blinking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither literally flashing on and off, or (informally in British English) a polite stand-in for a stronger swear word.
When to use it
The emphatic sense is informal and distinctly British; it reads as old-fashioned or comic rather than genuinely rude.
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Word forms
- Plural
- blinkings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ neon sign lit up the empty street.
Related words
Rhymes for blinking
See all rhymes for blinking →Frequently asked questions
What does “blinking” mean?
The word “blinking” means that blinks; flashing on and off. In plain terms, either literally flashing on and off, or (informally in British English) a polite stand-in for a stronger swear word.
How do you use “blinking” in a sentence?
Here is “blinking” used in a sentence: “A blinking neon sign lit up the empty street.”
What is another word for “blinking”?
Words with a similar meaning to “blinking” include blimming and blooming.
What part of speech is “blinking”?
“Blinking” is an adjective.
Is “blinking” a common word?
“Blinking” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “blinking” have?
“Blinking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: that blinks; flashing on and off.
