eyelet

American  

[ahy-lit] / ˈaɪ lɪt /

noun

1. a small hole, usually round and finished along the edge, as in cloth or leather for the passage of a lace or cord or as in embroidery for ornamental effect.

2. a lightweight fabric pierced by small holes finished with stitching and often laid out in flowerlike designs.

3. a metal ring for lining a small hole; grommet.

4. an eyehole in a wall, mask, etc.

5. Also oylet. (in medieval architecture) a small aperture in a wall used as a window or loophole.

6. a small eye.

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verb (used with object)

eyeleted, eyeletted, eyeleting, eyeletting

1. to make an eyelet in.

2. to insert metal eyelets in.

eyelet British  

/ ˈaɪlɪt /

noun

1. a small hole for a lace or cord to be passed through or for a hook to be inserted into

2. a small metal ring or tube with flared ends bent back, reinforcing an eyehole in fabric

3. a chink or small opening, such as a peephole in a wall

4. embroidery

   1. a small hole with finely stitched edges, forming part of an ornamental pattern

   2. Also called: eyelet embroidery.  a piece of embroidery decorated with such work

5. fabric decorated with such work produced by machine

6. a small eye or eyelike marking

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verb

1. (tr) to supply with an eyelet or eyelets

Etymology

Origin of eyelet

1350–1400; Middle English oillet < Old French oillet, equivalent to oill eye (< Latin oculus; see ocular) + -et -et; influenced by eye

Explanation

An eyelet is a hole that's meant for threading a cord or lace through. When you lace up your sneakers, you pass the shoelace through eyelets in your shoes. Many eyelets have metal rings that make it easy to put strings or cords through them, while others are simply holes punched in cloth or leather. Tarps and tents often have eyelets, as do sails on sailboats. Tiny hooks, such as the ones on dresses and undergarments, are also sometimes called eyelets. The word comes from the Old French oeillet, the diminutive of oeil, "eye," or literally "little eye." The Latin root is oculus, "eye."

Example Sentences

The Eyelet Bow Ballerina flat comes in shiny red, black patent and dark denim options, making it the most versatile style for fall.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2024

With themes of death and rebirth presented in pysch pop, Eyelet is a glimpse into the colourful world of Islet.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2020

Eyelet Embroidery, Suggestions for.—For some time after I began doing "eyelet work" I wondered if there was not some way to fasten the thread after completing an eyelet.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Eyelet Embroidery Eyelet embroidery is a simple over and over stitch forming a smooth, round edge.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

Eyelet embroidery is equally effective done on sheer or heavy material; and neat sewing is all that is required to gain good results.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

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