redeye: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “redeye” mean?
The direct red-eye effect in a photograph caused by camera flash reflecting off the retina, OR a late-night or overnight flight that results in tired, red eyes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The direct red-eye effect in a photograph caused by camera flash reflecting off the retina, OR a late-night or overnight flight that results in tired, red eyes.
Informally used for anything causing fatigue or red eyes, such as a night shift, a long drive, or a strong, cheap whiskey (slang). Can also refer to a style of coffee with a shot of espresso added to drip coffee.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'red-eye' for flights and photography. The coffee meaning ('shot of espresso in drip coffee') is primarily American. The slang for cheap whiskey is more common in American contexts.
Connotations
In both, the flight connotation is negative, associated with discomfort. The photographic term is neutral/technical.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the additional culinary meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “redeye” in a Sentence
take [OBJECT: a redeye] from [PLACE] to [PLACE]have/get [OBJECT: redeye] in a photoorder [OBJECT: a redeye coffee]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redeye” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to redeye it back from Glasgow to save time.
American English
- He's red-eyeing from LAX to JFK tonight.
adjective
British English
- It was a typical redeye experience: cramped seats and no sleep.
American English
- I need a redeye coffee to wake up after that flight.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"I'll take the redeye back to save on Monday's hotel bill."
Academic
"The study controlled for fatigue factors like redeye travel."
Everyday
"All my photos from the party have terrible redeye."
Technical
"Enable the redeye reduction flash mode."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redeye”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redeye”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redeye”
- Spelling as one word 'redeye' is common, but hyphenated 'red-eye' is also correct. Using it as a verb (*'I redeyeed to London').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted. The hyphenated form 'red-eye' is slightly more traditional, but the closed compound 'redeye' is very common, especially in informal contexts.
Yes, informally, especially in American English (e.g., 'We red-eyed it back home'). It's considered casual usage.
A 'redeye' specifically implies a flight that departs late at night and arrives early in the morning, often crossing time zones, with the intention of passengers sleeping on the plane but often resulting in fatigue. A generic 'night flight' might depart earlier and not necessarily cause the same level of sleep disruption.
Mostly. It connotes fatigue and inconvenience. However, in the context of coffee (American), it's neutral/positive for those seeking a caffeine boost.
The direct red-eye effect in a photograph caused by camera flash reflecting off the retina, OR a late-night or overnight flight that results in tired, red eyes.
Redeye is usually informal in register.
Redeye: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdʌɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdˌaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Catch the redeye (to save on a hotel night)”
- “Looking like you've been on a redeye (extremely tired)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the bright RED eyes of a tired traveller disembarking at dawn, or the glowing red eyes in a photo.
Conceptual Metaphor
FATIGUE IS A PHYSICAL DEFECT (red, tired eyes as a visible mark of exhaustion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'redeye' LEAST likely to be used?