ceiling

American  

[see-ling] / ˈsi lɪŋ /

noun

ceilings plural

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.

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idioms

1. hit the ceiling, to become enraged.

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

ceiling British  

/ 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

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ceiling More Idioms  

1. see glass ceiling; hit the ceiling.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• ceilings
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ceiling

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

Explanation

A ceiling is the upper surface of a room. If you’re lying on the floor, you’re staring up at the ceiling. If you’re lying on the ceiling, you’ll be lying on the floor again soon. You may have heard the sky’s the limit — but in truth, the limit is the ceiling, both physically and metaphorically. The top of a room, but still under the roof, a ceiling is the point at which you can go no farther. You’ll find both helium balloons and hot tempers hitting it. In the workplace, if you aren't getting that promotion and can't understand why, you might have hit a "glass ceiling."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ceiling ceilings

Upon entering the property, guests are greeted with an expansive floor plan that is accentuated by the bright furniture and unique ceiling structures.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

With their dated decor, hotel-like hallways, overhead ceiling tiles and abandoned office spaces, the Backrooms resemble the overlooked non-places of modern life – spaces many people recognize but rarely notice.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026

Off the entry and through an archway, the architectural heart of the century-old home soars upward: the living room’s open-beam, 25-foot ceiling with its original deep teal stain.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

S&P affirms Indonesia’s BBB long-term sovereign credit rating, and expects the government to keep its fiscal deficit below the legal ceiling of 3% of GDP.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

It reached all the way to the ceiling.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

The building, filled to its ceilings, grew increasingly dilapidated; Langley’s paranoia about suspected intruders led him to build mazes of detritus to throw them off.

From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026

Set on a beautifully lush plot, the home blends rustic charm with modern luxury, welcoming guests with exposed brick walls, soaring wood-beamed ceilings, an open-concept layout, and thoughtfully updated finishes throughout.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

The agency has proposed raising those ceilings in hundreds of industries.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

Investing in US assets in China usually requires going through officially approved channels and is typically subject to ceilings and strict foreign exchange controls.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026

Her voice had risen incrementally until it echoed off the high ceilings.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

• beam
• plaster
• roof