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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

eyelid

EYE-lihd
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Eyelid (noun) means the thin fold of skin that closes over and protects the eye. Example: “Her eyelids grew heavy as she fought to stay awake.”

noun
1
The thin fold of skin that closes over and protects the eye.
"Allergan, the company that turned an obscure muscle paralyzer for eyelid spasms, Botox, into a blockbuster wrinkle smoother, hopes to perform cosmetic alchemy yet again." — Natasha Singer, Love the Eyelashes. Who Is Your Doctor? (2009)
"Her eyelids grew heavy as she fought to stay awake."

How to use eyelid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe moving flap of skin that covers the eye when you blink or close your eyes.

Common pairings
heavy eyelids without batting an eyelid
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Word forms

Plural
eyelids
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ grew heavy as she fought to stay awake.

Etymology

From Old English forms meaning literally "eye lid" — a compound of "eye" and "lid," a covering.

Origin: Old English

lid palpebra

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “eyelid” mean?
The word “eyelid” means the thin fold of skin that closes over and protects the eye. In plain terms, the moving flap of skin that covers the eye when you blink or close your eyes.
How do you pronounce “eyelid”?
“Eyelid” is pronounced EYE-lihd (/ˈaɪ.lɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “eyelid” in a sentence?
Here is “eyelid” used in a sentence: “Her eyelids grew heavy as she fought to stay awake.”
What part of speech is “eyelid”?
“Eyelid” is a noun.
Where does the word “eyelid” come from?
The word “eyelid” comes from Old English. From Old English forms meaning literally "eye lid" — a compound of "eye" and "lid," a covering.

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