lining

¹ American  

[lahy-ning] / ˈlaɪ nɪŋ /

noun

1. something that is used to line another thing; a layer of material on the inner side or surface of something.

2. Bookbinding. the material used to strengthen the back of a book after the sheets have been folded, backed, and sewed.

3. the act or process of lining something.

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lining ² American  

[lahy-ning] / ˈlaɪ nɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of marking or ornamenting a surface with lines.

2. a design or ornamentation composed of lines.

3. Printing. a system of designing type so that all characters of the same point size, regardless of font, will align with one another.

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lining British  

/ ˈlaɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. material used to line a garment, curtain, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      lining satin

2. a material, such as mull or brown paper, used to strengthen the back of a book

3. civil engineering a layer of concrete, brick, or timber, etc, used in canals to prevent them leaking or in tunnels or shafts to prevent them falling in

4. any material used as an interior covering

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lining Idioms  

1. see silver lining.

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Etymology

Origin of lining¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, lining is from the late Middle English word lynyng. See line ², -ing ¹

Origin of lining²

First recorded in 1565–75; line ¹ + -ing ¹

Explanation

When a different material covers the inside of something, like the clear membrane on the inner layer of an eggshell, you can call it a lining. Many of our body parts have linings — the stomach lining, for example — that protect their insides. Clothing often contains a protective lining too, like the satin lining of your formal suit or the cotton lining of a sheer skirt, sewn inside, or a furry or plush lining meant to add warmth. A "silver lining" is a happy, bright aspect found in a dark or sad event: "I know there's a silver lining to your car accident!"

Example Sentences

In several cases, these concretions sealed off the interior lining, preserving pieces of fabric that would normally have decayed long ago.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

“Looking sharp, buddy!” a teenager lining up to board a tour bus yelled out.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

The mere thought of the eight-time All-Pro Donald lining up alongside the five-time All-Pro Garrett is too delicious to ignore.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

That’s why the gold standard is a colonoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a scope with a camera to examine the large intestine’s lining for precancerous or cancerous polyps.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

I needed to think about what I’d say next, carefully lining up my words like rows of even masonry, so that there could be no misunderstandings.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• covering