Grommet is a small metal or plastic ring used for supporting or strengthening holes in fabric or leather. It is also popularly known as an eyelet, which is a small round or oblong hole that is reinforced with a ring or lining. Another synonym for grommet is a washer, which acts as a flat ring placed between two surfaces to distribute the load and prevent damage to the surface. Rubber grommet, another variation of the term, is made of flexible rubber and is used to protect and mount electrical wires or cables through holes in sheet metal. Regardless of the term used, grommets and their synonyms are essential components of various products from shoes to industrial equipment.