tears
Britishplural noun
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the clear salty solution secreted by the lacrimal glands that lubricates and cleanses the surface of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids
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a state of intense frustration (esp in the phrase bored to tears )
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weeping
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presented so as to be easily assimilated
reading without tears
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
People regularly asked what was wrong with me, if I was sick or sad or close to tears.
From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026
Wiping tears from his eyes as he slowly made his way through the intergenerational crowd, he recognized almost everyone in attendance — if not by name, then definitely by address.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026
"I'm so emotional," said fan Cristina Medina, breaking down in tears.
From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026
I was brought to tears when i saw you.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
“Do it again,” I tell him, hastily brushing away my tears.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.