ceiling

noun

ceil·​ing ˈsē-liŋ How to pronounce ceiling (audio)
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
5
: an upper usually prescribed limit
a ceiling on prices, rents, and wages
ceilinged adjective

Example Sentences

The house has low ceilings. The airplane has a ceiling of 32,000 feet.
Recent Examples on the Web More:Who voted against the debt ceiling bill in the House? Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 3 June 2023 How California's weather impacted the debt ceiling 04:00 State insurance officials said State Farm's decision doesn't mean residents will be uncovered, noting that about 115 other companies will still write policies in California. Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 2 June 2023 Then again, the M’s would have faced a unique challenge the rest of the way; their finale on Aug. 11 was the 20th consecutive road game for the franchise after four concrete ceiling tiles fell from the Kingdome roof on July 19. Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 2 June 2023 The Senate is slated to vote on the debt ceiling deal this week. Danielle Douglas-gabriel, Anchorage Daily News, 2 June 2023 At first glance, the debt ceiling deal that Republicans struck with the White House seems to significantly rein in the Biden administration’s ability to pursue big-ticket health care policy. Rachel Cohrs, STAT, 1 June 2023 In total, more Democrats voted for the debt ceiling bill than Republicans; McCarthy’s alleviating headache is thanks entirely to the Democrats. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 1 June 2023 Borrowers who received Pell Grants and fall under the income ceilings can qualify for another $10,000 in debt relief. Tara Siegel Bernard, New York Times, 1 June 2023 Jose Luis Magana—AP Veering away from a default crisis, the House overwhelmingly approved a debt ceiling and budget cuts package, sending the deal that President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated to the Senate for swift passage in a matter of days, before a fast-approaching deadline. Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 1 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ceiling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celing, from celen

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceiling was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near ceiling

Cite this Entry

“Ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceiling. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

ceiling

noun
ceil·​ing ˈsē-liŋ How to pronounce ceiling (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ceiling

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