eyelet

noun

eye·​let ˈī-lət 

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

That is a tiny lure with a narrow eyelet that rebuffs multiple attempts to thread tippet that's as fine as spider web silk. —Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026

Those eyelets on the collar offer a taste of the unexpected, which is met by the inherent coquettishness of the illustrated rose. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026

Zoe added an eyelet flourish at the base of the veil to anchor it to Hannah’s head. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026

The 155 guest rooms and suites, freshened up since their rock and roll days, have wood floors with the Hotel Chelsea monogram now inlaid; the sun dapples through ivory eyelet fabric on the windows; and the bathrooms are classically done with light and dark grey marble accentuated by bronze details. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for eyelet

• autopilot
• islet
• pilot
• stylet

Kids Definition

eyelet

noun

eye·​let ˈī-lət 

1

: a small hole (as in cloth or leather) for a lace or rope

2

: grommet