ceiling

noun

ceil·​ing ˈsē-liŋ 

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

: absolute ceiling

b

: service ceiling

5

: an upper usually prescribed limit

a ceiling on prices, rents, and wages

ceilinged

ˈsē-liŋd 

adjective

Synonyms

• bound
• boundary
• cap
• confines
• end
• extent
• limit
• limitation
• line
• termination

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

The Yankees have successfully executed their Juan Soto backup plan, and have acquired an outfielder with a high ceiling without giving up much from their already-thin farm system. —Joey Copponi, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

For port days, there are shore excursions that cater to families, and the rooms have several clever arrangements like a bunk that comes out of the ceiling. —Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024

Groin vaulted ceilings and a gothic hearth complete the kitchen and breakfast room. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024

Hanging from the ceiling, the gleaming birds form an aerial Christmas tree shape. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celing, from celen

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ceiling

• absolute ceiling
• cathedral ceiling
• glass ceiling
• go through the ceiling
• hit the ceiling
• service ceiling
• sub-ceiling

Kids 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