: 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.
Some of the movie’s most memorable moments have barely anything to do with the plot, like when Matt discovers his eyelids fusing together and attempts to separate them with nail scissors in the bathroom of a bumpy plane. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 The apples of the cheeks should be touched with the a similar shade of bronze that may be kissing the eyelids, and layered under a fresh peach or tangerine, Schoen said. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 How menopause hormones disrupt tear production The connection sits in the glands behind the eyelids. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 How Heated Eye Masks Work Warm compresses have long been used by ophthalmologists to loosen clogged oil glands in the eyelids. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: one of the movable lids of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

Medical Definition

: either of the movable lids of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

called also palpebra

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