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

Both levels have 9-foot ceilings, which make the rooms feel large and airy when coupled with the ample natural light provided by large aluminum alloy windows. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Yet, the use of more columns and the addition of an impressive coffered ceiling in the family room define the two areas. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2025

The dining room on the floor below has deep red carpets, gold chairs, burl wood walls in a herringbone pattern and reflective metallic paint on the ceiling that intensifies the rotating 360 degree views. —Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

The lobby is steeped in nostalgia, with soaring marble columns, intricate mosaic tile flooring, and a grand circular mural on the ceiling, while the 93 guest rooms offer comfortable beds and a blend of vintage charm with modern amenities. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for ceiling

• dealing
• feeling
• healing
• heeling
• keeling
• kneeling
• pealing
• peeling
• reeling
• sealing
• squealing
• stealing

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