How Do You Spell BLINK?

Pronunciation: [blˈɪŋk] (IPA)

The word "blink" is spelled as /blɪŋk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It starts with the voiced bilabial consonant /b/ sound, followed by the unvoiced lateral consonant /l/, and the front vowel /ɪ/. The second syllable is also pronounced with the unvoiced nasal consonant /ŋ/. The spelling of the word is consistent with the English language's phonetic rules, where the letter "l" is pronounced phonetically when followed by a short vowel sound, as in the case of "blink."

BLINK Meaning and Definition

1. Blink is a verb that describes the act of momentarily closing and opening one's eyes quickly. This action is typically involuntary and automatic, functioning as a natural response to various stimuli or as a reflexive mechanism to keep the eye moist and protected. The blink reflex is crucial in preventing irritants, such as dust or debris, from entering the eye and potentially causing damage or discomfort.

   Blinking is characterized by a brief interruption in vision or perception, as the eyelids swiftly cover and then reveal the eyes. This action occurs with remarkable speed, usually taking less than a second to occur. While the frequency of blinking varies among individuals, it is estimated that on average, a person blinks approximately 15–20 times per minute.

   In addition to its physiological purpose of safeguarding the eye, blinking can also convey certain non-verbal signals. For instance, a rapid or repeated blink may indicate surprise, disbelief, or nervousness. Alternatively, an intentional slow blink can be used to communicate affection, relaxation, or even boredom, depending on the context and accompanying cues such as facial expressions or body language.

   Overall, the act of blinking serves a vital role in preserving eye health and ensuring visual clarity, while simultaneously having the potential to convey subtle emotional or social signals.

2. • A wink; a glance; a look; a moment.

   • To wink; to twinkle with the eye; to see dimly or obscurely; to evade.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BLINK *

• flink 50%
• dlink 25%
• bling 25%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BLINK

• blanki
• bannk
• klunk
• bink
• blinkly
• linky
• blong
• blaint
• linck
• bllind
• blulk
• bline
• blinz
• blobk
• baank
• blcok
• lingk
• bliane
• linik
• bacnk
• lilnk
• blwn
• linnk
• linkk
• liink
• blinkin
• bliock
• plinke
• blanck
• lionk
• llink
• blokk
• blavk
• clinik
• binki
• blanky
• libnk
• beling
• blinekd
• linki
• blamk
• beline
• bleick
• ilink
• elink
• blin
• blinket
• alink
• bilnk
• bliind
• blenk
• loink
• brinck
• balnk
• blnk
• bliend
• blaine
• publink
• babnk
• blanc
• blnak
• bloick
• blike
• bligh
• blint
• blinik
• blonk
• bklink
• blinlk
• blinke
• slink
• plink
• ablins
• gliek
• biina
• bilina
• bliaa
• bylik
• bllik
• blyek
• bolik
• blinkie
• Blonka
• blitsk
• Plikk
• Bolick
• blinck
• belink
• blieck
• blynz
• Bolinl
• Klinkx

Etymology of BLINK

The word "blink" has Old English origins and can be traced back to the West Germanic word "blenkjan" or "blincan", which means "to shine or gleam". It is also related to the Old High German word "blanchan" and the Old Norse word "blekkja". Over time, the meaning of "blink" shifted, and it came to refer to the rapid opening and closing of the eyes, which we now associate with the act of blinking.

Idioms with the word BLINK

• not blink The idiom "not blink" refers to the act of remaining calm, composed, or unwavering in a difficult or challenging situation. It means to show no signs of hesitation, fear, or doubt. It can also imply being resolute, confident, or having strong conviction in one's actions or decisions, even in the face of adversity.
• on the blink The idiom "on the blink" means that something is not working properly or is temporarily out of order. It is usually used to describe malfunctioning or faulty machinery, appliances, or systems.
• in the blink of an eye The idiom "in the blink of an eye" means something that happened or will happen very quickly or instantaneously, often referring to a short period of time that is almost imperceptible. It implies the idea of rapidity or speed.
• blink of an eye The idiom "blink of an eye" refers to a very short period of time, often implying that something happens rapidly or almost instantaneously. It suggests that an event or action occurs so quickly that it is comparable to the time it takes to blink one's eye.
• blink back tears The idiom "blink back tears" refers to the act of holding back or restraining tears from flowing down one's eyes. It implies the effort to suppress or control one's emotions, usually displayed to prevent others from noticing or to maintain composure in a difficult or emotional situation.
• blink at (something) The idiom "blink at (something)" typically means to ignore or disregard something, especially when it is morally or ethically wrong or questionable. It refers to the act of intentionally closing one's eyes for a brief moment, as if refusing to acknowledge or take notice of a certain situation or behavior.
• be on the blink The idiom "be on the blink" refers to something, typically a machine or device, not functioning properly or being in a state of disrepair. It implies that the item is experiencing malfunctions or intermittently failing to work as expected.
• before sb could blink The idiom "before sb could blink" means that something happened extremely quickly or unexpectedly, leaving no time for a person to react or respond. It implies that the action or occurrence took place almost instantaneously, catching the person off guard.
• before (one) could blink The idiom "before (one) could blink" means that something happens very quickly or unexpectedly, often indicating that there was little or no time to react or respond. It implies that the action or event took place in an instant, before one could even blink their eyes.
• before could blink The idiom "before could blink" means that something happened very quickly and unexpectedly, often implying that someone did not have time to react or even fully comprehend what was happening. It emphasizes the speed or suddenness of an event.
• blink at sth To "blink at something" means to ignore, overlook, or disregard something, typically a mistake, an offense, or a wrongdoing. It implies turning a blind eye or choosing not to acknowledge or take action against a particular situation.
• blink one's tears back The idiom "blink one's tears back" means to forcefully control one's emotions and suppress the urge to cry or shed tears. It suggests an effort to hold back tears by quickly blinking or blinking repeatedly.
• before (one) can blink The phrase "before (one) can blink" is an idiom that means something happens extremely quickly or unexpectedly. It implies that an action or an event occurs before someone even has time to react or realize it. It highlights the speed or suddenness of a particular occurrence.
• blink at The idiom "blink at" means to disregard or overlook something, typically an unusual or objectionable action or behavior, without showing any clue of surprise or disapproval. It implies turning a blind eye to something that might be considered wrong or unacceptable.
• blink tears back
• blink-and-you-miss-it The idiom "blink-and-you-miss-it" refers to something that happens very quickly and can be easily missed if one is not paying close attention. It is often used to describe a brief or fleeting moment or event.

Similar spelling words for BLINK

• blankly,
• blinker,
• blench,
• Blanck,
• blanks,
• Blanche,
• bluing,
• blueing,
• bunk,
• blinks,
• bank,
• Blanc,
• blowing,
• link,
• clink,
• Blanca,
• brink,
• blanke,
• blunk,
• Blinked,
• blind,
• blanco,
• blinking,
• blanket,
• blanch,
• blank.

Plural form of BLINK is BLINKS

Conjugate verb Blink

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have blinked

you would have blinked

he/she/it would have blinked

we would have blinked

they would have blinked

I would have blink

you would have blink

he/she/it would have blink

we would have blink

they would have blink

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been blinking

you would have been blinking

he/she/it would have been blinking

we would have been blinking

they would have been blinking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would blink

you would blink

he/she/it would blink

we would blink

they would blink

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be blinking

you would be blinking

he/she/it would be blinking

we would be blinking

they would be blinking

FUTURE

I will blink

you will blink

he/she/it will blink

we will blink

they will blink

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be blinking

you will be blinking

he/she/it will be blinking

we will be blinking

they will be blinking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have blinked

you will have blinked

he/she/it will have blinked

we will have blinked

they will have blinked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been blinking

you will have been blinking

he/she/it will have been blinking

we will have been blinking

they will have been blinking

IMPERATIVE

we Let's blink

you blink

we let´s blink

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to blink

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was blinking

you were blinking

he/she/it was blinking

we were blinking

they were blinking

PAST PARTICIPLE

blinked

PAST PERFECT

I had blinked

you had blinked

he/she/it had blinked

we had blinked

they had blinked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been blinking

you had been blinking

he/she/it had been blinking

we had been blinking

they had been blinking

PRESENT

I blink

you blink

he/she/it blinks

we blink

they blink

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am blinking

you are blinking

he/she/it is blinking

we are blinking

they are blinking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

blinking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have blinked

you have blinked

he/she/it has blinked

we have blinked

they have blinked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been blinking

you have been blinking

he/she/it has been blinking

we have been blinking

they have been blinking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it blink

SIMPLE PAST

I blinked

you blinked

he/she/it blinked

we blinked

they blinked