pink eye

noun

ˈpiŋk-ˌī How to pronounce pink eye (audio)
variants or pinkeye
: conjunctivitis
especially : contagious conjunctivitis typically caused by a virus or bacterium

Examples of pink eye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The actors wore makeup to look unwell, used eye drops and petroleum jelly to mimic having conjunctivitis (aka pink eye), and had a fake cough. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 This includes patients with symptoms including rash, fever, cough and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 Measles symptoms include several days of fever, rash, pink eye, runny nose and cough. — Katie Wiseman, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026 Keith, who is eight, appeared to have a bad case of pink eye. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pink eye

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pink eye was in 1855

Rhymes for pink eye

See All Rhymes for pink eye

Browse Nearby Words

Pinkerton
pink eye
pink family
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pink eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pink%20eye. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pinkeye

noun
pink·​eye ˈpiŋ-ˌkī How to pronounce pinkeye (audio)
: a contagious disease in which the inner surface of the eyelid and part of the eyeball become pinkish and sore

Medical Definition

pink eye

noun
variants or pinkeye
ˈpiŋ-ˌkī How to pronounce pink eye (audio)
: conjunctivitis
especially : contagious conjunctivitis typically caused by a virus or bacterium
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