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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of facing

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

Example Sentences

The tournament will kick off with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City on June 11, a rematch of the 2010 opener in Johannesburg, which was played on the same date 16 years earlier.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

"I've been in the industry for over 22 years and it's been the same question and same barriers that our communities have been facing," said Aesha Ali from training and education provider Saheli Hub.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

The founder of French ridesharing firm Ecov, Thomas Matagne, summed up the crossroads decision-makers are facing.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Now “the issues facing the young people like me are getting a voice.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

This man did not acknowledge Duane’s arrival because he was facing the water, squinting in the sunlight.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el