We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Shakespeare Words

Shakespearean, not stirred.

If Shakespeare wrote it, we've Shmooped it.

Eyeball

Popularized in A Midsummer Night's Dream

Then crush this herb into Lysander's eye,
Whose liquor hath this virtuous property
To take from thence all error with his might
And make his eyeballs roll with wonted sight.
When they next wake, all this derision


In the 1580s, someone tossed together eye and ball—and it stuck. After popularizing this word, Shakespeare came up with eyedrop, eyesore,and eyewink.

Now stop eyewinking at us ;)


Tag: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Back to Shmooping Shakespeare