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

From the Air Jordan 1 comes the toe box, while the Air Jordan 2 provides the ridged heel tab and eyelets. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 Nov. 2025

The rubber outsole delivers great traction and flexibility, and the Ghillie lacing system uses loops instead of eyelets to better enhance the overall snugness and stability of the shoe once it's tied. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

This Boll & Branch set stands apart because of a unique double-button detail and eyelet hemstitching. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025

Its Avoriaz hiker is modeled after the technical footwear of the ‘60s and ‘80s with its roped laces, speed hook eyelets and a water-resistant Norwegian stitch, but would not look out of place on city streets with its leather upper and rounded toe. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025

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