What does veil mean?
Veil is a common English word for a covering that hides or softens what lies beneath it. In its literal sense, the word refers to a piece of fabric, often worn over the face or head, and can also describe a curtain or screen. Its figurative use is especially important: a veil of secrecy, for example, is an abstract concealment that prevents people from seeing what is really happening. As a verb, to veil means to cover, hide, obscure, or deliberately present something in a way that conceals its nature. The word can suggest privacy and mystery, but it may also imply evasion or deliberate misrepresentation, depending on context. In religious and historical language, take the veil refers to entering a convent or becoming a nun. Veil is therefore useful not only as a vocabulary word for a physical covering, but also for describing the many ways language, institutions, and people can conceal truth, identity, or emotion.
A piece of fabric or other material that covers or conceals something, especially the face or head; figuratively, an abstract means of hiding information, identity, or emotion.
"A veil of secrecy hung over the investigation."
The figurative sense often suggests concealment or deliberate obscurity. In the traditional expression take the veil, the word refers to entering a convent.
To cover, hide, obscure, or conceal something, especially from view or public knowledge.
"Mist began to veil the harbor before sunrise."
Often used with information, truth, identity, or the face; the action can be literal, figurative, or both.
The standard plural of the noun is “veils,” used for multiple coverings or veils.
"The dancers wore veils that floated behind them as they turned."
The same Latin root behind veil also gave English the word envelop, so the two words are linguistically wrapped in the same family.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veil come from?
English veil developed from Old French veile, a borrowing of Latin velum, meaning “covering,” “curtain,” or “sail.” The Latin word is also the source of related forms such as envelop and velar, and it survives in English as velum, a membrane or the soft palate. The astronomical term vela derives from the same Latin word through its meaning of “sails.”
Related word forms
How veil is actually used
The noun is common in both literal and figurative contexts. Figurative uses, such as a veil of secrecy or to veil the truth, often imply deliberate concealment or obscuring. As a verb, veil is especially associated with hiding information, emotions, or visibility; in literary contexts it can also mean to cover or surround softly.
Easily confused with veil
Vile means morally despicable or exceptionally unpleasant, whereas a veil is a covering or a means of concealment.