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

For anyone facing potentially dire medical results or other nerve-racking ambiguities, the waiting is the hardest part.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

And now, their 49-year-old father, Armando Gonzalez, a local handyman, is facing the threat of deportation after he was detained by federal immigration agents in Big Bear Lake this week.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Given current challenges facing NASA, the timeline remains uncertain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

While many of the biggest firms have signed deals already, smaller businesses are at risk of facing the tariff, which could drive up costs, he noted.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

To pass the time, Maggie sat in a chair facing the sunny window and settled in to read a book of French language exercises.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock