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
a
b
5
: an upper usually prescribed limit
a ceiling on prices, rents, and wages
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
Through the heavy metal doors ahead is a cavernous interior with high ceilings and industrial fixtures.
—
Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
The new construction also boasted European oak hardwood floors, high ceilings, and stainless steel appliances.
—Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 14 Feb. 2026
The ceilings are polished plaster.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Cut them into manageable pieces to use for dusting surfaces, from your car’s dashboard to your bedroom ceiling fan.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceiling
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Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
The new construction also boasted European oak hardwood floors, high ceilings, and stainless steel appliances.
—Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 14 Feb. 2026
The ceilings are polished plaster.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Cut them into manageable pieces to use for dusting surfaces, from your car’s dashboard to your bedroom ceiling fan.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceiling
Cite this Entry
“Ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceiling. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ceiling
noun
ceil·ing
ˈsē-liŋ 
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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