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

Next, the Hampton Boat Shoe is defined by its metal D-ring lace eyelets – a detail borrowed from boots – paired with a thicker lug sole. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 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

Polka dots, retro gingham, animal prints, and eyelet details are all gaining steam on their own—and applying them to capris only elevates both the silhouette and the pattern. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 9 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