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

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 This office staple is also handy for organizing pot lids, as well as muffin tins and cooling racks. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, "Eight non-culinary tools you can use in the kitchen," 9 Aug. 2019 In previous studies, scientists have found that seabirds mistake plastic pieces for food, often feeding plastic shards, bottle lids, pen caps and other trash to their young. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Eating Even One Piece of Plastic Has Health Consequences for Baby Seabirds," 5 Aug. 2019 Nearly all areas of the interior are or can be heated, including the front door armrests, front center console lid, lower C-Pillar, rear side armrests and rear center armrest. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV: a royal rite of passage," 2 Aug. 2019 Turn off multicooker and carefully remove lid, allowing steam to escape away from you. America’s Test Kitchen, The Denver Post, "Barley makes up the base for this unique, toothy salad," 1 Aug. 2019 According to a September 2018 report, plastic straws were the sixth-most collected item on California Coastal Cleanup days from 1988 to 2016, behind cigarettes, food packaging, caps and lids, plastic bags, and plastic utensils and dishes. Colleen Shalby, latimes.com, "San Francisco law restricts restaurants from offering customers disposable foodware," 12 July 2019 In addition, the kit also comes with a bucket lid, Super Suds cleaning soap, citrus wash, rim cleaner, a micro-fiber wash mitt, and premium micro-fiber towels for drying. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "31 Great Gifts for Father’s Day 2019," 5 June 2019 Consider Starbucks’ decision to ditch plastic straws for recyclable lids, supposedly reducing plastic waste. Allysia Finley, WSJ, "Would You Like Guilt With Your Latte?," 27 May 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-​dəd \ adjective
lidless \ ˈlid-​ləs \ adjective

lid

noun
\ ˈlid How to pronounce lid (audio) \

Medical Definition of lid

: eyelid