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.
After four weeks of daily use, its ingredients can brighten dark circles, reduce under-eye bags, smooth crepey eyelids, and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026 After Wang allegedly performed the surgery on the first eyelid, the victim attempted to leave the building but was pushed back onto the table by Wang and prevented from leaving until the procedure was completed, according to the release. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 Models wore long scarves, Chelsea boots and shaggy Gallagher brothers-style hair that tickled the eyelids. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026 The medical examiner’s report stated that Lunas Campos had scattered superficial abrasions on his body, hemorrhage in muscles and connective tissues on the neck, and signs of smaller hemorrhaging on the eyelids and skin of the neck. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 30 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eyelid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eyelid. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster