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.
But that’s likely as far as the protective mechanism goes; the eyelid closure isn’t keeping your eyes from shooting out of the socket. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Serving patients from Nashville, Clarksville, Hendersonville, and Mount Juliet, Ingram Cosmetic Surgery offers procedures including breast augmentation, mommy makeovers, tummy tucks, facelifts, and eyelid surgery. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 15 May 2026 On a dog, owners will want to check pretty much anywhere with hair, but especially in and around the ears, around the eyelids, under the collar, between the legs, between the toes and around the tail. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 The condition causes itchy eyes, puffy eyelids and crusty flakes along the eyelashes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 14 May 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 18 May. 2026.

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

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