Eyemasks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of eye covering typically made from fabric, often used during sleep to block out light
2. An accessory designed to fit over the eyes, providing comfort and darkness for better rest
3. A soft, padded item worn over the eyes to help improve sleep quality by preventing light disruption

Etymology: The plural of "eyemask", a compound of "eye" and "mask". Both parts are old English words: "eye" comes from Old English "ēage", and "mask" entered English from Old French "masque", which in turn traces back to Arabic and medieval Latin roots. Put together, the word describes a covering for the eyes, and the sleep-mask sense is a straightforward extension of that literal meaning: a cloth or padded shield worn over the eyes to keep out light. Because the parts are so transparent, the term needs little explaining. It follows the same pattern as older compounds such as "eyeglass" and "eyeshade", where a body part is joined to a covering to name the object that goes on it.

Synonyms: sleep masks, blindfolds, night masks, eye covers