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
b
5
: an upper usually prescribed limit
a ceiling on prices, rents, and wages
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
Think glossy oak flooring, coffered ceilings, and custom millwork.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 May 2025
At the same time, a digital ceiling that stretches down the entire World Galleria entertainment district occasionally quite often displays a massive American flag.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
For all that Penn State brings back, its ceiling will ultimately be determined by the receiver additions — Pena, Ross and Hudson.
—Antonio Morales, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Retailers that primarily sell online like Bombas tend to reach a growth ceiling and need to turn to other channels to keep scaling profitably.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceiling
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Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 May 2025
At the same time, a digital ceiling that stretches down the entire World Galleria entertainment district occasionally quite often displays a massive American flag.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
For all that Penn State brings back, its ceiling will ultimately be determined by the receiver additions — Pena, Ross and Hudson.
—Antonio Morales, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Retailers that primarily sell online like Bombas tend to reach a growth ceiling and need to turn to other channels to keep scaling profitably.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceiling
Cite this Entry
“Ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceiling. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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