apple of the eye

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The pupil, or pupil and iris, of the eye, originally believed to be spherical; also, the eyeball.

Pronunciation

/ˈæp.əl.əv.ðiˈaɪ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Persent101-apple of the eye.wav

Word forms

apple of the eye apples of the eye

Etymology

From Middle English appel of the eyȝe, appel of þe ye, perhaps dissimilated from Middle English ij appel (literally “eye-apple”). More at eye-apple.

Synonyms

Related words

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