Verb

1. To close and reopen both eyes quickly.

   The loser in the staring game is the person who blinks first.

2. To flash headlights on a car.

   An urban legend claims that gang members will attack anyone who blinks them.

3. To send a signal with a lighting device.

   Don't come to the door until I blink twice.

4. To flash on and off at regular intervals.

   The blinking text on the screen was distracting.

5. To perform the smallest action that could solicit a response.
   • 1980, Billy Joel, “Don't Ask Me Why”, Glass Houses, Columbia Records

     All the waiters in your grand cafe / Leave their tables when you blink.

Noun

1. The act of very quickly closing both eyes and opening them again.
2. The time needed to close and reopen one's eyes.

Related terms

• blinkard
• blinker
• blink of an eye
• on the blink
• wink