ceiling

noun

ceil·​ing ˈsē-liŋ How to pronounce ceiling (audio)
Synonyms of ceilingnext
1
a
: the overhead inside lining of a room
The room has a high ceiling.
b
: material used to ceil a wall or roof of a room
2
: something thought of as an overhanging shelter or a lofty canopy
a ceiling of stars
3
a
: the height above the ground from which prominent objects on the ground can be seen and identified
b
: the height above the ground of the base of the lowest layer of clouds when over half of the sky is obscured
4
5
: an upper usually prescribed limit
a ceiling on prices, rents, and wages
ceilinged adjective

Examples of ceiling in a Sentence

The house has low ceilings. The airplane has a ceiling of 32,000 feet.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Some Palestinians even try to hang food containers on the ceiling of their tents to keep them out of reach. Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Rustic-grade oak covers the floors, walls, and ceilings, creating a warm, continuous interior. Bridget Borgobello july 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026 The Sonic at 4025 Mapleshade Lane was found to have liquid leaking from the ceiling onto the cooking surfaces. Mary Ella Hastings july 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026 Immediately upon entry, everything… floors, walls, ceilings… was draped in peach and white. Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceiling

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celing, from celen

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceiling was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceiling. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

ceiling

noun
ceil·​ing ˈsē-liŋ How to pronounce ceiling (audio)
1
: the overhead inside lining of a room
2
: something that hangs over or is above
3
: the height above the ground of the base of the lowest layer of clouds when over half of the sky is hidden by clouds
4
: the greatest height at which an airplane can operate efficiently
5
: an upper usually prescribed limit
a ceiling on prices

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