lid

1 of 2

noun

ˈlid 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• cover
• top
• cap
• hood
• roof

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

Noun

The set includes the base and blade attachment plus three cups, lip rings, resealable lids, a to-go lid, and recipe card. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, we were reminded that maroon tones are making their comeback, pale pink cheeks and lids are stealing attention, and dark lips are adding drama. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025

Locking capabilities The lid of a cake carrier must lock securely to the base to keep it from falling off and sending your cake sailing to the floor. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025

Built for on-the-go spill-free sipping, the flip-straw lid clicks shut to seal in your drink, while the double-wall stainless steel insulation keeps things cold for hours. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing lid

• blow the lid off
• flip one's lid
• keep a lid on
• lift the lid on
• put a lid on
• put a lid on it
• put the lid on

Rhymes for lid

• bid
• did
• grid
• hid
• id
• mid
• quid
• rid
• skid
• slid
• squid
• amid

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

ˈlid 

: eyelid