ceiling

[see-ling]

noun

1. the overhead interior surface of a room.

2. the top limit imposed by law on the amount of money that can be charged or spent or the quantity of goods that can be produced or sold.

3. Aeronautics.

   1. the maximum altitude from which the earth can be seen on a particular day, usually equal to the distance between the earth and the base of the lowest cloud bank.

   2. Also called absolute ceiling. the maximum altitude at which a particular aircraft can operate under specified conditions.

4. Meteorology.,  the height above ground level of the lowest layer of clouds that cover more than half of the sky.

5. a lining applied for structural reasons to a framework, especially in the interior surfaces of a ship or boat.

6. Also called ceiling piece. Theater.,  the ceiling or top of an interior set, made of cloth, a flat, or two or more flats hinged together.

7. the act or work of a person who makes or finishes a ceiling.

8. vaulting, as in a medieval church.

ceiling

/ ˈsiːlɪŋ /

noun

1. the inner upper surface of a room

2. 1. an upper limit, such as one set by regulation on prices or wages

   2. ( as modifier )

      ceiling prices

3. the upper altitude to which an aircraft can climb measured under specified conditions See also service ceiling absolute ceiling

4. meteorol the highest level in the atmosphere from which the earth's surface is visible at a particular time, usually the base of a cloud layer

5. a wooden or metal surface fixed to the interior frames of a vessel for rigidity

Other Word Forms

• ceilinged adjective
• subceiling noun
• unceilinged adjective
• underceiling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceiling¹

1350–1400, ceiling for def. 7; Middle English; ceil, -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceiling¹

C14: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hit the ceiling, to become enraged.

   When he saw the amount of the bill, he hit the ceiling.

see glass ceiling; hit the ceiling.

Example Sentences

What the coach couldn’t see on tape was whether Stewart had the rest of what it took to reach his ceiling.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When Congress designates money for federal programs, he has argued, “It’s a ceiling. It is not a floor. It’s not the notion that you have to spend every dollar.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Today, Wilson’s home radiates with colorful artworks from his private collection and vibrant African wood carvings climbing toward the loft ceiling.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Recent political theater over the debt ceiling aside, there’s no reason the Treasury wouldn’t be able to make a payment.

Read more on Barron's

And when every cell phone vibration is liable to drive you up the wall, the last thing you need is a burst pipe and a giant hole in your ceiling.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• beam 
• plaster 
• roof