lining

¹

[lahy-ning]

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.

lining

²

[lahy-ning]

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.

lining

/ 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

Word History and Origins

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

Idioms and Phrases

see silver lining.

Example Sentences

If things had gone differently in the summer, Eze could have been lining up against Arsenal on Sunday rather than playing for them.

Read more on BBC

In rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks joint linings, biologic drugs can control inflammation and prevent damage—though they may also raise infection risk or cause fatigue and nausea.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He knew which clients were interested in the painting, where their advisers were sitting and who was fielding bids from the phones lining the saleroom.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“At the end of the day, though, he is determined to find a silver lining in this awful situation.”

Read more on Salon

The study also showed that microplastics interfered with the function and makeup of cells lining the arteries.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• covering