facing

American  

[fey-sing] / ˈfeɪ sɪŋ /

noun

1. a covering in front, for ornament, protection, etc., as an outer layer of stone on a brick wall.

2. a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornament or strengthening.

3. material turned outward or inward, as a cuff or hem.

4. facings, coverings of a different color applied on the collar, cuffs, or other parts of a military coat.

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facing British  

/ ˈfeɪsɪŋ /

noun

1. a piece of material used esp to conceal the seam of a garment and prevent fraying

2. (usually plural) a piece of additional cloth, esp in a different colour, on the collar, cuffs, etc, of the jacket of a military uniform, formerly used to denote the regiment

3. an outer layer or coat of material applied to the surface of a wall

4. marketing an area of retail shelf space

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Etymology

Origin of facing

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; face + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

A decade ago, Los Angeles County was facing serious economic and social challenges, but residents felt “generally lukewarm” about their quality of life.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Stormont ministers will meet later on Thursday to discuss how to manage pressures facing farmers, businesses and households in Northern Ireland due to rising fuel costs.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

He is now facing criminal investigations in New York and California.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“They’re not retired yet, but they’re facing this retirement problem,” Duffy said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

It’s a picture of a woman in a white dress on top of a cliff, facing out toward the sea.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy