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
Inside, the design firm Caramba Estudio has outfitted every residence with a mix of the traditional and the contemporary: White windows and shutters pay homage to classic Madrid design, as do traditional moldings on the high ceilings.
—
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
For something that requires a bit less commitment than an accent wall or ceiling, try a splash of color with a framed piece of art.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
Congress will determine spending levels – which Trump so far has treated as ceilings rather than requirements – during debates that could last until the end of the year.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Guests can choose to sit indoors under chandeliers and vaulted ceilings or outside on the terrace with views of the vineyard.
—Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceiling
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Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
For something that requires a bit less commitment than an accent wall or ceiling, try a splash of color with a framed piece of art.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
Congress will determine spending levels – which Trump so far has treated as ceilings rather than requirements – during debates that could last until the end of the year.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Guests can choose to sit indoors under chandeliers and vaulted ceilings or outside on the terrace with views of the vineyard.
—Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 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 9 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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