sheathing

noun

sheath·​ing ˈshē-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce sheathing (audio)
-thiŋ
Synonyms of sheathingnext
1
: the action of one that sheathes something
2
: material used to sheathe something
especially : the first covering of boards or of waterproof material on the outside wall of a frame house or on a timber roof

Examples of sheathing in a Sentence

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.
However, the house is covered with Zip sheathing that requires no house wrap. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025 Winter weather can cause multiple issues with your hose and spigot, from frozen pipes to cracked sheathing. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025 Water gets into sheathing and insulation, which triples the cost of repair within six months. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 The building’s shiny, dark metal sheathing might have appeared sinister in any other environment, but not here, set against the sparkling white. — Cree Lefavour, New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheathing

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheathing was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sheathing

See All Rhymes for sheathing

Browse Nearby Words

sheathfish
sheathing
sheathing board
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheathing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sheathing

noun
sheath·​ing ˈshē-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce sheathing (audio)
-thiŋ
: material used to sheathe something
especially : the first covering of boards or of waterproof material on the outside wall of a frame house or on a timber roof

More from Merriam-Webster on sheathing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sheathing

Nglish: Translation of sheathing for Spanish Speakers

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