blusher: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal; common in beauty/fashion contexts.
Quick answer
What does “blusher” mean?
A cosmetic product applied to the cheeks to give a rosy colour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cosmetic product applied to the cheeks to give a rosy colour.
1. A person who blushes easily. 2. A type of pale pink mushroom (Amanita rubescens).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'blusher' for the cosmetic. Americans may also use 'blush' (as a noun) interchangeably. The mushroom sense is more common in UK field guides.
Connotations
Neutral cosmetic term in both. The 'person' sense sounds slightly old-fashioned in both varieties.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English for the cosmetic; 'blush' is equally or more common in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “blusher” in a Sentence
apply + blusher + to + cheeksblusher + gives + a + healthy glowuse + a + brush + for + blusherVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blusher” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She blushered her cheeks lightly.
American English
- She blushed her cheeks lightly. (Note: 'blushed' as transitive verb is rare, 'applied blush' is standard.)
adjective
British English
- A blusher brush is essential.
American English
- A blush brush is essential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the cosmetics industry: 'The new blusher line launched successfully.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in cultural studies of fashion or biology for the mushroom.
Everyday
Common in beauty routines and casual conversation about makeup.
Technical
In mycology for the mushroom Amanita rubescens.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blusher”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blusher”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blusher”
- Using 'blush' and 'blusher' interchangeably in all contexts (US allows it more). Saying 'I put a blusher' instead of 'I put on (some) blusher'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In UK English, 'blusher' is the standard term for the cosmetic product. In US English, 'blush' is equally or more common for the product, while 'blusher' is also understood.
Yes, but this is a dated or literary usage meaning 'a person who blushes easily'. The cosmetic sense is far more common today.
Blusher adds a pink, red, or peach hue to imitate a flush. Bronzer is typically warmer/browner to add a sun-kissed glow or contour.
Smile to find the apples of your cheeks, apply product there, and blend upwards towards your temples for a natural lift.
A cosmetic product applied to the cheeks to give a rosy colour.
Blusher is usually neutral to informal; common in beauty/fashion contexts. in register.
Blusher: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblʌʃə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblʌʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly with 'blusher'. Related: 'put some colour in your cheeks'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BLUSH + ER. A 'blusher' is a thing (or person) that creates or has a blush.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS COLOUR IN THE CHEEKS (blusher simulates a healthy flush).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blusher' LEAST likely to be used?