blush: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. More common in descriptive, literary, or emotional contexts than in everyday casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “blush” mean?
to become red in the face, especially from embarrassment, shame, modesty, or a sudden emotional reaction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to become red in the face, especially from embarrassment, shame, modesty, or a sudden emotional reaction.
A reddish color or glow; a cosmetic product applied to the cheeks to give a rosy tint; to feel embarrassment or shame.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The noun 'blusher' for the cosmetic is slightly more common in UK English, while 'blush' (as a cosmetic) is more standard in US English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it conveys modesty, innocence, youth, or acute embarrassment. Slightly more literary/refined in everyday speech.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both. Possibly slightly higher in UK English in literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “blush” in a Sentence
SUBJ blushSUBJ blush with/at NPSUBJ blush to INFVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blush” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- A faint blush crept across her cheeks.
- She applied a touch of blush to her cheekbones.
- The sky had a subtle blush of pink at sunset.
- His remark sent a blush to her face.
American English
- The first blush of dawn appeared on the horizon.
- That wine has a nice blush to it.
- Her blush was visible even in the dim light.
- He spoke without a blush of shame.
verb
British English
- She couldn't help but blush when she realised her mistake.
- He blushed a deep shade of crimson at the memory.
- I blush to admit I've never read that classic novel.
American English
- He blushed right to the roots of his hair.
- She blushed at the thought of what she'd said.
- I blush for you when you tell those stories.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical use: 'The company's accounts made the auditors blush.'
Academic
Used in literature, psychology, and physiology to describe human reaction.
Everyday
Common for describing embarrassment or shyness: 'He blushed when she complimented him.'
Technical
In cosmetics industry for the product name; in medicine/psychology for describing vasodilation response.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blush”
- Using it transitively (*'The comment blushed her' – incorrect). Use 'make someone blush'.
- Confusing 'blush' (face) with 'flush' (can be face or skin elsewhere).
- Overusing in informal spoken contexts where 'go/turn red' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Blush' is specifically about the face and is typically caused by emotions (embarrassment, shame, modesty). 'Flush' can affect the face or body and has broader causes: emotions, fever, alcohol, exertion, or skin irritation.
No, 'blush' is intransitive. You cannot 'blush someone'. The correct construction is 'make someone blush' (e.g., 'You make me blush').
Yes, 'blusher' is a correct, chiefly British English term for the cosmetic product (cheek colour). In American English, 'blush' is the standard term for the cosmetic.
It's an idiom meaning 'on first impression' or 'at first glance'. Example: 'At first blush, the plan seemed foolproof, but we later found several flaws.'
to become red in the face, especially from embarrassment, shame, modesty, or a sudden emotional reaction.
Blush is usually neutral to formal. more common in descriptive, literary, or emotional contexts than in everyday casual speech. in register.
Blush: in British English it is pronounced /blʌʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bləʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at first blush (on first impression)”
- “spare my blushes (said when embarrassed by praise)”
- “blush like a rose”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BLUSH' sounds like 'brush' – you use a brush to apply blush (cosmetic) when you want to look like you're blushing.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMBARRASSMENT IS HEAT/A RED COLOR (e.g., 'burn with shame', 'red-faced').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses 'blush' correctly in a metaphorical sense?