WordGarden.ioblush
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /blˈʌʃ/
US
- /ˈbləʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to turn red in the face from embarrassment, shyness, or pleasure
Noun
a reddening of the face or cheeks caused by emotion
a cosmetic powder or cream used to add rosy color to the cheeks
a soft pink or rosy tint
Beyond the definition
Have you ever told a funny story and felt your cheeks warm up? That sudden red glow is a blush, usually caused by embarrassment, shyness, excitement, or surprise. But the word is more than just a feeling. It also means a soft pink colour you can see on a ripening peach or in the sky at sunset, and a beauty product you apply to your cheeks to create a healthy glow.
Across stories, poems, and everyday conversation, blushing often signals emotion—especially the instant when someone feels self-conscious.
To blush is to become red in the face, typically as a result of embarrassment, shyness, happiness, or other strong emotion. It is usually an involuntary physical response: your face warms and your cheeks flush with blood when your nervous system reacts to emotion. For example: "She blushed when he praised her work," or "He blushed with shame after missing the deadline."
The term also describes a delicate pinkish colour. You may hear people say, "The peach had a gentle blush," or "There is a rosy blush in the painting." In these uses, it refers to a visual tint rather than an emotional reaction.
In cosmetics, blush is a powder or cream used to add color to the cheeks in a natural, flattering way. "She applied a light pink blush before the photos."
Overall, this word moves between two related ideas: emotion made visible on the face, and the pink color itself.
Examples
- 1
Public attention
She blushed when her classmates started clapping for her.
- 2
Praise
He still blushes when people praise his cooking.
- 3
Embarrassment
Sorry, I didn't mean to make you blush.
- 4
Awkward question
Anna blushed at the question and looked down.
- Patternblush at + cause
blush because of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
No shame
He lied about the whole thing without blushing.
- Phrasewithout blushing
without showing any embarrassment
- 6
Color description
A blush of pink appeared in the evening sky.
- Phrasea blush of pink
a slight pink colour
- 7
Makeup
She put on a little blush before going out.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- blushnounverb
Forms
- blushing-ing formverbnoun
- blushesverbnoun
- blushedpast tenseverbnoun