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.
Last month, an 11-year-old girl was treated for severe burns on her left cheek and eyelid. — Josh Taylor, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Other symptoms include constipation, drooping eyelids, sluggish pupils and a weak cry. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 The microbe lives under the eyelid and keeps producing the anti-inflammatory protein over time. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026 Some may achieve excellent results with a more traditional facelift, while others benefit from a deep-plane approach, often combined with neck contouring, eyelid surgery or fat grafting. — Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 17 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of eyelid for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eyelid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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