eyelid

noun

eye·​lid ˈī-ˌlid How to pronounce eyelid (audio)
: either of the movable folds of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

Examples of eyelid in a Sentence

the upper eyelid of the left eye
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shame on her for wanting those vast cheekbones highlighted in gold, those great eyelids heavy with shadow the color of smoke. — Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026 According to court records, police found Dunn deceased in a motel room with bruises on her body, including her neck and face, and her eyelids were swollen and discolored. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 As if by magic, my heavy eyelids closed on a gray, industrial cityscape and reopened to breathtaking views of the southwest Scottish coastline. — Lucy Bruton, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 2026 The Yfong Weighted Sleep Mask applies gentle weight around your eyes and has a contoured shape that leaves room for your eyelids and lashes, plus an adjustable strap. — Brandon Schultz, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eyelid

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eyelid was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing eyelid

Rhymes for eyelid

See All Rhymes for eyelid

Browse Nearby Words

eye level
eyelid
eye lift
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eyelid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eyelid. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

eyelid

noun
eye·​lid ˈī-ˌlid How to pronounce eyelid (audio)
: one of the movable lids of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

Medical Definition

eyelid

noun
eye·​lid ˈī-ˌlid How to pronounce eyelid (audio)
: either of the movable lids of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

called also palpebra

More from Merriam-Webster on eyelid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eyelid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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