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

• cap
• cover
• top

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

Here are the steps: Take the meal tray out of its paper sleeve, poke holes in its plastic lid to let air out, and pop the tray in the microwave for two minutes. —Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 4 Sep. 2024

The whole thing is made from glass, including the lid, with the exception of the metal spout that easily opens and closes with a small turn of the knob. —Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2024

Apply it to the outer corner of your eye for a subtle smoky effect, or cover your entire lid and top it off with some shimmer in the inner corner. —Jessica Copeland, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2024

Ree explained that Paige penned thoughtful notes for the bridesmaids and included a black-and-white photo of herself with each of the box recipients in the inside lid of the box. —Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2024

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

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