1 B2 idiomatic neutral
For one's eyes to become unfocused and expressionless due to boredom, tiredness, or a failure to understand.
"His eyes glazed over about ten minutes into the presentation."
inseparable
glaze over
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
For one's eyes to become unfocused and expressionless, usually because of boredom, tiredness, or incomprehension.
In plain English
When your eyes go blank and stop looking interested, usually because you are bored or confused.
What does "glaze over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To become covered with a shiny, smooth surface (literal, non-idiomatic use).
"As the temperature dropped, the puddles glazed over with a thin layer of ice."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To become covered in a glaze (a shiny coating) — the image is of eyes losing their spark and becoming dull like glass.
Actually means
When your eyes go blank and stop looking interested, usually because you are bored or confused.
Usage tip
Very common idiom used to describe the physical sign of someone losing interest in a conversation or lecture. Almost always refers to eyes. Used both literally (eyes going blank) and figuratively (describing someone's general lack of engagement). Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "glaze over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
eyes look expression face stare lecture
How to conjugate "glaze over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
glaze over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
glazes over
he/she/it
Past simple
glazed over
yesterday
Past participle
glazed over
have + pp
-ing form
glazing over
continuous
Hear "glaze over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "glaze over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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