ceiling

1 of 2

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

ceiling

2 of 2

present participle of ceil

Synonyms of ceiling

Noun

• limit
• limitation
• confines
• boundary
• end

Examples of ceiling in a Sentence

Noun

The house has low ceilings.

The airplane has a ceiling of 32,000 feet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Smythson also collaborated with multidisciplinary studio Fung + Bedford, which created a large-scale installation suspended from the ceiling that’s based on origami designs. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

His family is now planning legal action to uncover the original ceiling. — News Desk, Artforum, 13 Oct. 2026

The most important change moving forward is ensuring that the existence of this category does not become a ceiling. — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026

The mural is painted directly onto the building’s walls, ceiling, and structural supports, so the art literally comes with the listing (or vice versa). — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English celing, from celen

First Known Use

Noun

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