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
Extra toppings, such as pickles and jalapeños, are available for customers to help themselves, along with utensils, cups and lids for those ordering soft drinks. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 Its generous 8-quart capacity and tight-fitting lid circulates steam to ensure food stays moist and prevents sauce and oil from splattering. Maggie Horton, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The long-lasting, waterproof formula keeps this gel liner in place, boasting up to 12 hours of wear on your waterline, and 24 hours of wear on lids—plus there are 15 shades to choose from, from classic to vibrant. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025 And lastly, apply a warm shadow to your lids—then finish off with winged liner, fluffy eyelashes, and a matte lip combo. Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 1 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 13 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!