facing

1 of 2

noun

fac·​ing ˈfā-siŋ 

1

a

: a lining at the edge especially of a garment

b

facings plural : the collar, cuffs, and trimmings of a uniform coat

2

: an ornamental or protective layer

3

: material for facing

facing

2 of 2

adjective

1

: located directly across from something : opposite

an illustration on the facing page

2

: having the front oriented toward a specified direction or location

—usually used in combination

the east-facing windows

To maintain themselves above water, the islands must conserve their limited sand supply by moving sand to their lagoon-facing side as their seaward side is eroded by waves.

—Wade Graham

Examples of facing in a Sentence

Noun

a house with brick facing

a suit with red facings at the collar and the cuffs

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The potential energy generation facing delays is the equivalent of 59 traditional nuclear reactors, enough to power more than 44 million homes simultaneously. —Mark Chediak, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Christianity became outward-facing, carrying biblical values to the nations. —Calev Myers, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026

Much of its limestone facing was preserved for use in the new 30th Street bridge. —IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026

From the stress of awards season to the existential angst of an industry facing layoffs, consolidation, the threat of AI and the prospect of yet another strike, Hollywood isn’t exactly lacking reasons to visit a spa these days. —Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from gerund of face entry 2

Adjective

from present participle of face entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing facing

• downward facing dog

Rhymes for facing

• basing
• bracing
• casing
• chasing
• gracing
• lacing
• pacing
• placing
• racing
• spacing
• tracing
• debasing

Kids Definition

facing

noun

fac·​ing ˈfā-siŋ 

1

: a lining at the edge especially of a garment

2

: an ornamental or protective layer

a house with brick facing

3

: material for facing

Medical Definition

facing

noun

fac·​ing ˈfā-siŋ 

: a front of porcelain or plastic used in dental crowns and bridgework to face the metal replacement and simulate the natural tooth