apple of the eye

English

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.

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈæp.əl.əv.ðiˈaɪ/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -aɪ

Noun

apple of the eye (plural apples of the eye)

  1. The pupil, or pupil and iris, of the eye, originally believed to be spherical; also, the eyeball.
    Synonyms: (historical) apple, eye-apple
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