eyelet

noun

eye·​let ˈī-lət How to pronounce eyelet (audio)
1
a
: a small hole designed to receive a cord or used for decoration (as in embroidery)
b
: a small typically metal ring to reinforce an eyelet : grommet
2
: peephole, loophole

Examples of eyelet in a Sentence

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.
The leather has a puffy, premium appearance is perforated at the tongue, eyelets and heel badge. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2026 At Chloé, Chemena Kamali sent eyelet lace, tailoring, and raincoat silhouettes down the runway. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026 The blouse’s design also features little eyelets that let air into the top. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026 The ‘90s fashion legend shared a photo dump of her wearing a plunging white one-piece bikini that was covered in subtle eyelet embroidery. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eyelet

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English oilet, from Anglo-French oillet, diminutive of oil eye, from Latin oculus

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of eyelet was in 1590

Rhymes for eyelet

See All Rhymes for eyelet

Browse Nearby Words

eyeless
eyelet
eyeleteer
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Cite this Entry

“Eyelet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eyelet. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

eyelet

noun
eye·​let ˈī-lət How to pronounce eyelet (audio)
1
: a small hole (as in cloth or leather) for a lace or rope
2
: grommet
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