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
The recall covers round glass 10-ounce bottles with white metal screw-top lids that were distributed in 28 states, from Alabama to Wisconsin, according to the FDA recall notice. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025 The dishwasher-safe lid is one connected piece with the mouth-opening cover snapping open easily for single-handed use. Izzy Baskette, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Alternatives to plastic proliferated: stainless steel or glass straws, as well as lids with spouts. Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 Bronzed Smokey Eye & Nude Lip: How-To: Start with a bronzed eyeshadow blended into the crease, deep brown smoke along the lash line, and a pop of shimmer on the lid. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 25 Apr. 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 3 May. 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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