eyelid

[ahy-lid]

noun

1. the movable lid of skin that serves to cover and uncover the eyeball.

eyelid

/ ˈaɪˌlɪd /

noun

1. either of the two muscular folds of skin that can be moved to cover the exposed portion of the eyeball

2. Also called: clamshell. aeronautics a set of movable parts at the rear of a jet engine that redirect the exhaust flow to assist braking during landing

Word History and Origins

Origin of eyelid¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; eye, lid

Example Sentences

Omar Fateh steadied himself before the camera and flashed a smile between heavy blinks, the weight of a nearly sleepless night tugging at his eyelids.

Read more on Salon

Skipping these safeguards raises the risk of complications such as drooping eyelids, headaches or, in rare cases, respiratory failure or death.

Read more on BBC

"Some people were quite concerned because I was walking around the station with a crab in my hand, but most people didn't bat an eyelid," Mr Walsh said.

Read more on BBC

His eyes seem to recede under his eyelids, as though entering a profound state of hypnosis.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ears, noses, eyelids and bellies are also vulnerable.

Read more on BBC