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

Getty Images Errol Spence had a great career, but at 36 years old and after three years out of the ring, the former world champion has hit his ceiling in boxing. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

He gestures toward planes visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind the stage. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Exactly one feature film in history — The Odyssey — was shot entirely with Imax film cameras and fills a traditional Imax screen from floor to ceiling for its whole run time. — Lane Brown, Vulture, 25 July 2026

Historic ceiling beams were painted white to lighten the atmosphere, while high-gloss wood paneling pairs with handblown glass light fixtures from Vetreria Venier in Murano. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 July 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