1 lid | Definition of lid

lid

noun
\ ˈlid How to pronounce lid (audio) \
plural lids

Definition of lid

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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

verb
lidded; lidding

Definition of lid (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to cover or supply with a lid

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Synonyms for lid

Synonyms: Noun

cap, cover, top

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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

The lid of the pastry, freckled with fennel and other seeds, is part of the prize and meant to be eaten. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, "At Punjab Grill, there are plenty of gilty pleasures," 21 Aug. 2019 After the lid was on, one of the pallbearers threw his glove to the ground and stormed off, lifting up his sunglasses, wiping his eyes, sniffling. Sarah M. Broom, The New Yorker, "Who Stays Gone, and Who Can Afford to Return," 12 Aug. 2019 Celebrity makeup artist, Matin, recommends laying down a neutral shadow on the center of the lid. Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "10 Tips For Mastering Hooded Eye Makeup," 31 July 2019 Ramps for bicyclists and pedestrians would stretch from the edge of the lid down to the river. Tad Vezner, Twin Cities, "Downtown St. Paul riverfront project presented in detail — along with $788 million cost," 24 July 2019 This lid may be at about 3,500 feet, and may strengthen because of the temperature differential between air above it and below it. Paul Duginski, latimes.com, "What causes dreary, gray June gloom?," 21 June 2019 The machine will not run if the lid is open or the ice tray removed. Tainaya Nash, House Beautiful, "Chrissy Teigen Swears By This Amazon Snow Cone Machine," 19 June 2019 Storage under the front passenger armrest has been expanded, with the underside of the lid reshaped to create a 5.4-liter compartment. star-telegram, "Infiniti QX80 full-size luxury SUV brings elegance, technology to the family hauler," 30 June 2018 Then pack on the cherry tomatoes in an even layer and cover with the second lid, upside down (the rims of the two containers will act as a barrier and keep your tomatoes in place). Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, "I Will Not Apologize for the Dorky Way I Cut Cherry Tomatoes," 13 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

For a charcoal grill, pour a full chimney of hot coals evenly over one side of the grill bed and open the bottom grill vents and lid vents; for a gas grill, turn all burners to high. Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipes: Banh Mi and pork skewers on your backyard grill," 13 Aug. 2019 Remove the Instant Pot lid carefully, directing the steam away from you. Lisa Futterman, chicagotribune.com, "How to Instant Pot your picnic, with recipes for pate, savory cheesecake and dessert," 18 July 2019 Just recently, in Chicago, there was that infant abandoned on a garbage can lid and saved by paramedics. John Kass, chicagotribune.com, "Gov. J.B. Pritzker cheered as he signs abortion bill, but what is the cost?," 13 June 2019 One of my favorites is a skier Klennert crafted using old car bumpers for the skis, a milk-can lid for the hat and water-faucet handles for the ears. Carol Pucci, The Seattle Times, "For a visit without the crowds, head to Mount Rainier in winter," 20 Feb. 2019 Place a medium-size disposable foil roasting pan (about 15- by 11- by 3-inches) on cold grill to check if grill lid will close. Woman's Day, "Turkey Roasted on a Covered Gas Grill," 1 Jan. 2012 The second traveled more than 40 yards on a rope into a trash-can-lid bull’s-eye. Jeff Mclane, Philly.com, "Eagles practice observations: Carson Wentz's arm strength; Philly Special redux; quarterback golf," 14 June 2018 Step 6 Lift-Off — Place the rocket on the ground, lid down. Renee Morad, Scientific American, "Build the Best Alka-Rocket Ever—with Science," 7 Sep. 2017 And because this time of year is best marked by pops of color, swipes of neon found their way to lid-level. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "The 10 Best Beauty Instagrams of the Week: Cindy Crawford, Missy Elliott, and More," 27 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lid

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for lid

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

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More Definitions for lid

lid

noun

English Language Learners Definition of lid

: a cover on a box, can, jar, etc., that can be lifted or removed

lid

noun
\ ˈlid How to pronounce lid (audio) \

Kids Definition of lid

1 : a movable cover the lid of a box
2 : eyelid

Other Words from lid

lidded \ ˈli-​dÉ™d \ adjective
lidless \ ˈlid-​lÉ™s \ adjective

lid

noun
\ ˈlid How to pronounce lid (audio) \

Medical Definition of lid

: eyelid