lid

1 of 2

noun

ˈlid 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• cap
• cover
• top

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

Noun

Try a burgundy eyeliner on your waterline, like Lancôme’s Ruby Fever, shadow on your lid from Milani’s The Wine Down eyeshadow palette and a dark plum blush like Kir Royale from Laura Mercier. —Jane Hanson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

They’re also designed with the iconic starburst lid and signature instant seal that locks in freshness instantly, so your food is guaranteed to stay fresh for longer. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024

There’s a gold golf club fitted to the lid of the trunk that references 007 and villain Auric Goldfinger’s first encounter on the golf course. —Kathy Rose Obrien, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Tupperware once revolutionized food storage, with the brand’s roots dating back to a post-World War II mission of helping families save money on food waste with an airtight lid seal. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing lid

• blow the lid off
• flip one's lid
• keep a lid on
• lift the lid on
• put a lid on
• put a lid on it
• put the lid on

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

ˈlid 

: eyelid