1
a
: a length of cloth worn by women as a covering for the head and shoulders and often especially in Eastern countries for the face
specifically
: the outer covering of a nun's headdress
b
: a length of veiling or netting worn over the head or face or attached for protection or ornament to a hat or headdress
a bridal veil
c
: any of various liturgical cloths
especially
: a cloth used to cover the chalice
2
: the life of a nun
—often used in the phrase take the veil
3
: a concealing curtain or cover of cloth
4
: something that resembles a veil
a veil of stars
especially
: something that hides or obscures like a veil
lift the veil of secrecy
veiled; veiling; veils
: to cover, provide, obscure, or conceal with or as if with a veil
: to put on or wear a veil
Examples of veil in a Sentence
Noun
Veils of moss draped the trees.
under the veil of descending darkness the thieves began their operation
Verb
Her eyes were partially veiled by her long, dark hair.
The sun was veiled by clouds.
Recent Examples on the Web
Erin Clack, People.com, 27 May 2025
The bride completed the look with a long cathedral veil.
—Ilaria Perrotta, Glamour, 26 May 2025
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 22 May 2025
See also: Trump’s cryptocurrency projects, which are hardly veiled—and successful—attempts to enrich his family.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for veil
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Lovato, meanwhile, was a vision in her custom Vivienne Westwood wedding gown and cathedral-style veil.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 27 May 2025
The bride completed the look with a long cathedral veil.
—Ilaria Perrotta, Glamour, 26 May 2025
Verb
This film sparked criticism even before being seen due to the fact that the women who appear in it are veiled.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 22 May 2025
See also: Trump’s cryptocurrency projects, which are hardly veiled—and successful—attempts to enrich his family.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for veil
Cite this Entry
“Veil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veil. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
veil
1 of 2 noun1
: a piece of cloth or net worn usually by women over the head and shoulders and sometimes over the face
2
: something that covers or hides like a veil
lift the veil of secrecy
veil
2 of 2 verb
: to cover with or as if with a veil
Medical Definition
veil
noun
: a covering body part or membrane
especially
: caul sense 2
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share