eyelet

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A small hole, usually ringed with metal, in fabric or leather so that a lace or cord can pass through.

   Grammar: A countable noun, often in the plural on shoes or sails.

   Patterns

   • an eyelet in something

   She threaded the lace through each eyelet of her boot.

   One eyelet on the tent flap had torn out.

   The tarp has metal eyelets at every corner for rope.

2. 2noununcountable

   A light cotton fabric patterned with small embroidered holes.

   Grammar: Often used before a noun: an eyelet dress.

   Patterns

   • eyelet lace

   The baby's christening gown was made of white eyelet.

   She wore an eyelet blouse on the hot afternoon.

Word forms

Common combinations

metal eyelet

A metal eyelet reinforced the hole in the canvas.

thread through an eyelet

Thread the cord through an eyelet and knot it.

eyelet lace

The curtains were trimmed with eyelet lace.

shoe eyelet

A shoe eyelet had come loose.

eyelet dress

The eyelet dress was perfect for summer.

Synonyms and how they differ

grommet

Grommet is the American term for a ring that lines a hole in sheets or canvas, and it can be larger than an eyelet.

hole

Hole is the general word, whereas an eyelet is a small, neat, usually reinforced opening.

loop

A loop is a curve of cord or fabric rather than an opening in material.

Word family

eyelet verb

to make eyelets in something, rarely used

eye noun

the root word, also meaning a small hole such as the eye of a needle

Commonly confused: eyelet or eyelid? eyelet or islet?

Practice

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