A veil is a piece of thin, often see-through fabric worn over the face or head. Brides traditionally wear white veils during wedding ceremonies, with the delicate material flowing down from their hair. In many cultures and religions, women wear veils as part of their traditional dress or as a sign of modesty and faith.

The fabric of a veil is special because you can see through it, but it creates a layer between the wearer and the world. Think of looking through a sheer curtain: you can still see what's on the other side, but everything looks softer and slightly mysterious.

We also use veil as a verb, meaning to cover or hide something. A thin layer of morning fog might veil the landscape, making everything hazy. When someone speaks carefully to hide their true feelings, they might veil their anger with polite words.

The phrase veil of secrecy describes when information is deliberately hidden or kept mysterious. If a magician works behind a veil of secrecy, they're keeping their tricks hidden from the audience. When a scientist finally solves a difficult problem, we might say she “lifted the veil” on a mystery, meaning she revealed what was previously hidden or unknown.