blinks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, used across formal and informal contexts. The sense referring to the plant is technical/botanical.
Quick answer
What does “blinks” mean?
The act of quickly closing and opening one's eyes once or repeatedly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of quickly closing and opening one's eyes once or repeatedly; a brief, involuntary shutting of the eyelids.
Can refer to a very short period of time or a missed opportunity (e.g., 'in the blink of an eye'). Also used as a noun for the glint of light on water, or a type of small coastal plant (genus Montia). The plural form (blinks) commonly refers to repeated actions or the plant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both varieties use all core meanings identically. The botanical term 'blinks' (the plant) is known in both but is specialist vocabulary.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equal frequency for the core action meaning. The idiomatic phrase is equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “blinks” in a Sentence
[Subject] + blinks (at something)[Subject] + blinks + [Object] (e.g., tears) + away[Subject] + gives + [Indirect Object] + a few blinksVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blinks” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She blinks when she's concentrating.
- He blinked in the bright sunlight.
American English
- He blinks a lot when he's tired.
- Don't blink or you'll miss it!
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Blinkingly' is non-standard/rare.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The blink comparator is an astronomical tool. (as part of a compound)
- A blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment.
American English
- The blink response was measured. (as a modifier)
- It was a blink decision.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical use: 'The market didn't blink at the news.'
Academic
Used in psychology/physiology texts describing eye movement or visual perception experiments.
Everyday
Very common for describing the physical action or the passage of time.
Technical
In ophthalmology, computing (blink cursor), botany (the plant 'blinks'), and signaling (blink code).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blinks”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blinks”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blinks”
- Using 'blinks' as a singular verb for third person present ('he blinks' is correct).
- Confusing 'blink' (involuntary) with 'wink' (intentional, often social).
- Misspelling as 'blincks'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a verb, 'blinks' is the third-person singular present tense (he/she/it blinks). As a noun, it is the plural of 'blink,' used for multiple instances of the action or for the plant species.
A blink is typically an involuntary, bilateral (both eyes) closing to moisten the eye. A wink is a voluntary, unilateral (one eye) closing, often used as a signal or gesture.
Yes, lights can 'blink' (flash on and off repeatedly). This is a common metaphorical extension from the rapid opening and closing of the eye.
The verb form 'blink' is introduced at elementary levels (A2). The plural noun 'blinks' and its extended/idiomatic uses are more common at intermediate (B1-B2) levels.
The act of quickly closing and opening one's eyes once or repeatedly.
Blinks is usually neutral, used across formal and informal contexts. the sense referring to the plant is technical/botanical. in register.
Blinks: in British English it is pronounced /blɪŋks/, and in American English it is pronounced /blɪŋks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the blink of an eye (very quickly)”
- “Not blink an eye (to show no surprise or reaction)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'blink' – it's short and quick, just like the action. The 'k' sound mimics the quick snap of the eyelid closing.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MOVING OBJECT/EVENT: A 'blink' represents an extremely short, indivisible unit of time ('it was over in a blink').
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'in the blink of an eye,' what does 'blink' metaphorically represent?