: darkly discolored from blood effused by bruising

Examples of black-and-blue 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.
Diarra Kilpatrick paired her form-fitting black-and-blue dress with opera gloves. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Baltimore maintains its bruising, black-and-blue identity under new coach Jesse Minter. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 The black-and-blue habits started with the Nashville Predators, Arvidsson’s original club. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 Metcalf and the fan, wearing a black-and-blue shirt and a blue wig, were speaking to each other before the two-time Pro Bowler threw a right hand toward the man's face. CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 The cabin features a black-and-blue color scheme and lightweight racing seats with safety harnesses. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black-and-blue was in 1568

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Black-and-blue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-and-blue. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

black-and-blue

adjective
ˌblak-ən-ˈblü
: darkly discolored as the result of a bruise

Medical Definition

black-and-blue

adjective
: darkly discolored from blood effused by bruising

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