blush
BLUHSH
Blush (verb) means to turn red in the face, usually from embarrassment, shame, or shyness. Example: “He blushed when she complimented his singing.”
verb
1
To turn red in the face, usually from embarrassment, shame, or shyness.
"He blushed when she complimented his singing."
"She couldn't help but blush at the unexpected compliment."
noun
1
A reddening of the face caused by embarrassment or shyness.
"A faint blush crept across her cheeks."
How to use blush
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go red in the face from embarrassment, or the redness itself.
Common pairings
blush with embarrassment
bring a blush to someone's cheeks
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like blush.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- blushes
- Third person singular
- blushes
- Past tense
- blushed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ when she complimented his singing.
Etymology
From Old English blysian ("to be red, to shine"), ultimately related to words for "torch" and "burning."
Related words
Rhymes for blush
See all rhymes for blush →Frequently asked questions
What does “blush” mean?
The word “blush” means to turn red in the face, usually from embarrassment, shame, or shyness. In plain terms, to go red in the face from embarrassment, or the redness itself.
How do you pronounce “blush”?
“Blush” is pronounced BLUHSH (/ˈblʌʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “blush” in a sentence?
Here is “blush” used in a sentence: “He blushed when she complimented his singing.”
What is another word for “blush”?
Words with a similar meaning to “blush” include flush, pinken and redden.
What part of speech is “blush”?
Depending on how it is used, “blush” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “blush” come from?
The word “blush” comes from Old English. From Old English blysian ("to be red, to shine"), ultimately related to words for "torch" and "burning.".
Is “blush” a common word?
“Blush” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “blush” have?
“Blush” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to turn red in the face, usually from embarrassment, shame, or shyness.
What is the difference between blush and flush?
Blush specifically refers to reddening of the face due to embarrassment, shame, or shyness, while flush can result from a wider range of causes including heat, exertion, anger, or excitement. Blush is almost always tied to an emotional reaction, whereas flush is more general.
Is blush used only for the face or can it describe other things turning red?
Blush is primarily used for the face reddening from embarrassment or shyness, but it can also be used more broadly and poetically to describe things taking on a reddish or pink tinge, such as a sky or fruit. In cosmetics, "blush" also refers to a makeup product applied to the cheeks.
What is the difference between blush and blushing as an adjective?
"Blush" as a noun or verb names the act or instance of reddening, while "blushing" is the present participle used as an adjective to describe someone currently in that state, as in "a blushing bride." Both relate to the same reaction of embarrassment or shyness causing facial reddening.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include blush:
