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
What to expect: The white tablecloths remain, the chapel ceiling still stuns, but the food’s had a sharp little refresh under head chef Arturo Granato.
—
Lela London, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
For example, the pattern carved into the creamy marble sides of the Lounge Bar is identical to that in the intricate iroko wood ceiling.
—Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Walking inside, you’re met with period details that anchor the home in its early 20th-century roots: antique doors, wrought iron railings, hardwood floors, and lofty ceilings create a warm, timeless atmosphere.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
Similarly, look to also install any type of natural material, like raw wooden ceiling beams or exposed stone walls.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceiling
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Lela London, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
For example, the pattern carved into the creamy marble sides of the Lounge Bar is identical to that in the intricate iroko wood ceiling.
—Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Walking inside, you’re met with period details that anchor the home in its early 20th-century roots: antique doors, wrought iron railings, hardwood floors, and lofty ceilings create a warm, timeless atmosphere.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
Similarly, look to also install any type of natural material, like raw wooden ceiling beams or exposed stone walls.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 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 14 Jul. 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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