lid

1 of 2

noun

plural lids
1
: a movable cover for the opening of a hollow container (such as a vessel or box)
2
: eyelid
3
: the operculum in mosses
4
slang : hat
5
: something that confines, limits, or suppresses : check, restraint
6
slang : an ounce of marijuana
"He wanted privacy. He'd bought a keg of beer and a lid of dope and he didn't want his parents to know."Sue Grafton

lid

2 of 2

verb

lidded; lidding

transitive verb

: to cover or supply with a lid

Examples of lid in a Sentence

Noun I had to get a screwdriver to pry the lid off of the paint can. as he left the field, the pitcher tipped his lid to the cheering crowd
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.
Noun
Speaking of lids, they’re crafted with Tupperware’s classic sunburst design and feature the brand’s signature instant seal lid to lock in freshness and prevent leaks and spills. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 Finally de-clutter your cabinets and fridge with the help of handy containers—that actually have their lids (for now, anyway). Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 The components—pint, canister, lids—are all dishwasher safe, which is a big plus for any kitchen appliance with multiple parts. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025 The inner food storage container and lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lid

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hlid; akin to Old High German hlit cover, and probably to Old English hlinian to lean — more at lean

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lid was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lid. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lid

noun
ˈlid
1
: a movable cover (as for a box or jar)
2
: eyelid
3
slang : hat
4
: a force that holds back
tried to keep a lid on the news
lidded
ˈlid-əd
adjective

Medical Definition

lid

noun
: eyelid

More from Merriam-Webster on lid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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