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

Before the sun even rose, cars began lining up along Baldwin Park Boulevard, where drivers sat waiting patiently for their chance at free groceries when the distribution event began several hours later.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

The silver lining: While some of these these fallen stocks will emerge losers, some will turn out to be winners.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

At least some bankers are in the early stages of lining up meetings with potential investors for the expected offering, one of the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

His silver lining: “We’re starting to really appreciate those things.”

From Slate • May 8, 2026

A silver lining in the very cloudy sky that is my life right now.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• covering