dilate

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.

Atropine eye drops are typically used to dilate the pupil before eye exams.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

As a result, blood flow to that area increases dramatically as blood vessels dilate, causing pain and swelling.

From National Geographic • Feb. 21, 2024

Longer-term use of a catheter would only be needed if doctors were unable to sufficiently dilate the urethra.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

Just as the eye's pupils constrict or dilate like a camera's aperture to adjust how much light gets in, the ears too have their own way to regulate hearing.

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2023

I stand in the room, letting the pupils of my eyes dilate, like a cat’s or owl’s.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood