1
a
: a length of cloth worn by women as a covering for the head and shoulders and often especially in Eastern countries for the face
specifically
: the outer covering of a nun's headdress
b
: a length of veiling or netting worn over the head or face or attached for protection or ornament to a hat or headdress
a bridal veil
c
: any of various liturgical cloths
especially
: a cloth used to cover the chalice
2
: the life of a nun
—often used in the phrase take the veil
3
: a concealing curtain or cover of cloth
4
: something that resembles a veil
a veil of stars
especially
: something that hides or obscures like a veil
lift the veil of secrecy
veiled; veiling; veils
: to cover, provide, obscure, or conceal with or as if with a veil
: to put on or wear a veil
Examples of veil in a Sentence
Noun
Veils of moss draped the trees.
under the veil of descending darkness the thieves began their operation
Verb
Her eyes were partially veiled by her long, dark hair.
The sun was veiled by clouds.
Recent Examples on the Web
Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Harriet, 45, completed her ensemble for the big day with a lace veil, custom ivory satin heels by Jimmy Choo and a tiara and earrings by Pragnell, the same Mayfair jeweler that designed her engagement ring.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Most are soft; some are veiled by haze or sea mist, and others employ blur to picturesque ends.
—James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for veil
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Noun
The effect will be much more natural than after a color appointment, as these masks add a veil of color, rather than transforming it as dye does.
—Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Harriet, 45, completed her ensemble for the big day with a lace veil, custom ivory satin heels by Jimmy Choo and a tiara and earrings by Pragnell, the same Mayfair jeweler that designed her engagement ring.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Verb
Though for many voters the initiative’s measures are veiled in the hypothetical, pegged to demographic projections, refugees, such as the residents of La Maison, and others within the asylum system will feel its effects in the near term.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Most are soft; some are veiled by haze or sea mist, and others employ blur to picturesque ends.
—James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for veil
Cite this Entry
“Veil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veil. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
veil
1 of 2 noun1
: a piece of cloth or net worn usually by women over the head and shoulders and sometimes over the face
2
: something that covers or hides like a veil
lift the veil of secrecy
veil
2 of 2 verb
: to cover with or as if with a veil
Medical Definition
veil
noun
: a covering body part or membrane
especially
: caul sense 2
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