glass ceiling

noun

: an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions

Examples of glass ceiling 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.
While on board, passengers enjoy panoramic glass ceilings that bring the outdoors into the train. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025 So, why does this industry still have a glass ceiling for Black women? Kedean Smith, Essence, 3 Apr. 2025 The story focuses on a young Montessori played by Jasmine Trinca who, despite living in a highly patriarchal society, has broken through the glass ceiling to establish a special needs educational institution in Rome. Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Joe Jonas, Rashid Johnson, Cynthia Rowley, Larry Gagosian, and Antwaun Sargent were among those raising a glass to Mitchell, the crowd basking in the restaurant’s romantic interiors: floral wallpaper, hanging artwork, wood paneling, and a decorative glass ceiling. Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glass ceiling

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glass ceiling was in 1984

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Cite this Entry

“Glass ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glass%20ceiling. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

glass ceiling

noun
: an informal limit to how high a position women and minorities can earn in a company
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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