lining

¹ American  

[lahy-ning] / ˈlaɪ nɪŋ /

noun

1. something that is used to line another thing; a layer of material on the inner side or surface of something.

2. Bookbinding. the material used to strengthen the back of a book after the sheets have been folded, backed, and sewed.

3. the act or process of lining something.

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lining ² American  

[lahy-ning] / ˈlaɪ nɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of marking or ornamenting a surface with lines.

2. a design or ornamentation composed of lines.

3. Printing. a system of designing type so that all characters of the same point size, regardless of font, will align with one another.

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lining British  

/ ˈlaɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. material used to line a garment, curtain, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      lining satin

2. a material, such as mull or brown paper, used to strengthen the back of a book

3. civil engineering a layer of concrete, brick, or timber, etc, used in canals to prevent them leaking or in tunnels or shafts to prevent them falling in

4. any material used as an interior covering

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lining Idioms  

1. see silver lining.

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Etymology

Origin of lining¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, lining is from the late Middle English word lynyng. See line ², -ing ¹

Origin of lining²

First recorded in 1565–75; line ¹ + -ing ¹

Explanation

When a different material covers the inside of something, like the clear membrane on the inner layer of an eggshell, you can call it a lining. Many of our body parts have linings — the stomach lining, for example — that protect their insides. Clothing often contains a protective lining too, like the satin lining of your formal suit or the cotton lining of a sheer skirt, sewn inside, or a furry or plush lining meant to add warmth. A "silver lining" is a happy, bright aspect found in a dark or sad event: "I know there's a silver lining to your car accident!"

Example Sentences

If they succeed and return to their previous level of performance, it is likely that hurt pitchers will be lining up to find out if they might also benefit from the NanoNeedle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The agency’s 38-member board last year adopted a climate adaptation strategy that sets goals for lining up additional water.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

All of which goes to show that there are few clouds without a silver lining, including the cloud of higher interest rates.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

The researchers found that these activated T cells gather in the lining of the small intestine, placing them in an ideal position to respond quickly when damage occurs.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

I was just starting to learn the names of our cows, and I was lining the rocks up and calling them in, the way my father and brothers did with the real cows.

From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola

Related Words

• covering