ceiling

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

Synonyms of ceiling

• limit
• limitation
• confines
• boundary
• end

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

Downstairs, at Whitney Café, expect contemporary American with a global influence; at the eighth-floor Studio Bar, soups, salads, and light bites rival skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Staff quietly hurried to tape falling signage to the walls, troubleshoot the jumbotron and cook burgers and hot dogs as rain seeped through the grated ceilings of the exterior walkways. — Jaclyn Licht, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026

This means guests have panoramic views of Three Mile Harbor, while inside, high ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace offer a relaxing atmosphere year-round. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

The spacious restaurant with high, coffered ceilings features a central bar where mixologists churn out artful cocktails. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celing, from celen

First Known Use

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