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Blinking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blinking

[ˈblɪŋkɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

eye movement

The act of shutting and opening your eyes quickly and repeatedly, sometimes with a feeling of surprise or nervousness.

Synonyms

flashing, winking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blinking

Typically used in the same sense as the previous entry, describing rapid and repeated opening and closing of eyes or lights. If intended usage differs, context will clarify.

  • After staring at the screen for hours, Mark started blinking frequently.
  • The router's status light is blinking, signifying that it is processing data.
winking

Describes the quick closing and opening of one eye, usually as a signal or gesture, often indicating friendliness, a joke, or a shared secret.

  • He gave her a wink across the room.
  • She couldn't help but wink at her friend after making a funny comment.
flashing

Often refers to a light that turns on and off quickly and repeatedly or a brief moment when something is visible. Usually implies a stronger or more noticeable action compared to 'blinking'.

  • The emergency vehicle's lights were flashing as it sped down the street.
  • A flashing warning sign caught my attention.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a quick blinking of her eyes to signal her agreement.
  • His blinking increased as he tried to stay awake during the boring lecture.
Context #2 | Verb

eye movement

To shut and open your eyes quickly and repeatedly, sometimes with a feeling of surprise or nervousness.

Synonyms

flash, wink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blinking

When used as an adjective, often in British English, it can emphasize annoyance or surprise. This context has a mildly negative tone.

  • Turn off that blinking light!
  • He didn't pay attention to the blinking instructions on the screen.
wink

Use 'wink' when referring to the deliberate closing and opening of one eye as a signal or gesture, often to indicate a secret, joke, or flirtation.

  • She gave him a wink to signal that she understood.
  • He winked at his friend to show he was just joking.
flash

Use 'flash' when talking about a brief and sudden burst of light or a quick visual appearance and disappearance. Often associated with cameras or electronic devices.

  • The camera flash temporarily blinded me.
  • I saw a flash of lightning in the distance.

Examples of usage

  • He was blinking rapidly in the bright sunlight.
  • The lights were blinking in the distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'blinking'

The word 'blinking' originated from the Middle English word 'blenken', which meant 'to move quickly'. Over time, it evolved to specifically refer to the rapid movement of the eyelids. The modern usage of 'blinking' as a verb or noun to describe the quick opening and shutting of the eyes dates back to the 17th century.

See also: blink.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,203, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.