# eyelid

/ˈaɪˌɫɪd/ (US) · /ˈaɪlɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eyelid
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the thin piece of skin that covers and protects your eye when you close it or blink.

For teachers: the fold of skin and muscle that can be moved to cover the eyeball, serving to protect it and keep the surface moist.

## Examples

- She felt her eyelids getting heavy as she fell asleep.
- The doctor asked the patient to look up while gently pulling down the lower eyelid to check for signs of infection.
- The involuntary twitching of an eyelid, though often harmless and related to fatigue or stress, can be quite distracting during a professional presentation.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural when referring to both eyes, or with 'upper' and 'lower' to specify the part of the eye.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.