Blink Meaning

UK /blɪŋk/
US /blɪŋk/
Word Definition
blink meaning

Blink Definition & Usage

verb

To rapidly close and open one's eyes, typically as an involuntary or reflexive action.

Examples

  • "She blinked in surprise when the lights suddenly went out."
  • "I couldn't help but blink repeatedly due to the dust in the air."
  • "He blinked as the bright sunlight hit his face."
  • "She blinked several times, trying to focus her eyes after the long nap."
  • "The sudden flash of light made me blink uncontrollably."
verb

To do something very quickly or in the briefest of moments.

Examples

  • "He blinked and missed the entire scene."
  • "The decision was made in the blink of an eye."
  • "She passed the test in the blink of an eye."
  • "In the blink of an eye, everything changed."
  • "They managed to escape in the blink of an eye."
noun

A rapid closing and opening of the eyelids, usually due to a reflex or in response to an external stimulus.

Examples

  • "The blink of her eyes was enough to signal her agreement."
  • "His blink seemed almost imperceptible to others, but I caught it."
  • "She gave him a quick blink as a sign of understanding."
  • "He noticed the rapid blink of her eyes as she tried to avoid looking directly at him."
  • "The blink of the camera captured the moment perfectly."

Cultural Context

The word 'blink' originates from Old English 'blincan', meaning 'to shine or flash'. Over time, it came to refer specifically to the rapid movement of the eyelids.

In the Blink of an Eye

Story

In the Blink of an Eye

Lily stood at the edge of the balcony, gazing out at the city below. It was a typical evening in the bustling metropolis, the lights twinkling as the sun set behind the skyline. In the blink of an eye, everything changed. A blinding flash of light illuminated the sky, and Lily instinctively blinked, her eyelashes brushing against her cheek as her eyes tried to adjust. But in the same instant, a distant explosion echoed through the air, followed by the sound of shattering glass. She could barely believe what had just happened—what had she missed? Across the room, her brother, Max, had also blinked, though his reaction was different. He was a bit more prepared than Lily, having seen something odd in the sky moments earlier. As their mother rushed in, asking if they were okay, Max quickly scanned the scene and said, 'We need to leave, and fast.' As they gathered their things, Lily had a moment to reflect on how quickly things had changed—one moment, she was standing there, in the comfort of her own home, and the next, they were running for their lives. It all happened in the blink of an eye. When they reached safety, Lily realized that the 'blink' could be a symbol of more than just a simple reflex. It represented a shift in time, a moment when everything could change without warning. She looked at Max, who was scanning the horizon nervously, and they exchanged a knowing blink, both understanding that life could take a dramatic turn in the shortest possible time.

In the Blink of an Eye