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 of lid

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

Their locking lids have an airtight seal, trapping food smells and liquids inside. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 17 Dec. 2025

That’s why Chanel’s Stylo Yeux eyeliner is a favorite of makeup artist Raquel Álvarez’s, thanks to its ultra-long-wearing, waterproof formula that lasts on lids and the lash line. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025

Pathé lifted the lid of the production on Monday, unveiling first images and a teaser, and describing the movie duology as one its most ambitious undertakings to date. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2025

Verel Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids Stashing leftovers doesn’t have to be hard thanks to this four-pack of glass storage containers with bamboo lids. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 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