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
Remove any metal bands or lids, and give the jar an overall inspection—if it's cracked, chipped, or damaged, don't use it. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025 The lid also helps to prevent spills or curious pets from snacking on the extra kindling. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025 With a reddish-brown lid, covered in moss and grime, neighbors told Giglio that the tub had not been touched since the 70s or 80s. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 Just be sure the lid’s fully sealed before tossing it in your bag or pack. Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 20 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 22 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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