First Known Use: 1535
Dictionary
ceiling
noun ceil·ing \ˈsē-liŋ\
: the inside surface at the top of a room
: an upper limit
: the greatest height at which an aircraft can fly
Full Definition of CEILING
1
a : the overhead inside lining of a room 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>
— ceil·inged \-liŋd\ adjective
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Origin of CEILING
Middle English celing, from celen
Related to CEILING
- Synonyms
- bound, boundary, cap, limit, confines, end, extent, limitation, line, termination
CEILING Defined for Kids
ceiling
noun ceil·ing \ˈsē-liŋ\
Definition of CEILING for Kids
1
: the overhead inside surface of a room
2
: the greatest height at which an airplane can fly properly
3
: the height above the ground of the bottom of the lowest layer of clouds
4
: an upper limit <a ceiling on prices>
Word History of CEILING
As we now line a coat with a lining, we also used to ceil a room with a ceiling. The verb ceil, however, is now very seldom used on its own. Originally to ceil was to cover the surfaces of a room—both above and on the sides—with a coating of plaster or with carved panels. Ceiling could once mean nearly the same as “paneling,” but the only sense we now use refers only to what is overhead in a room.
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