masking tape

American  

noun

1. an easily removed adhesive tape used temporarily for defining margins, protecting surfaces, etc., as when painting, and sometimes also for binding, sealing, or mending.

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masking tape British  

noun

1. an adhesive tape used to mask and protect surfaces surrounding an area to be painted

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Etymology

Origin of masking tape

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Many of the items now live in neat squares made out of masking tape on the shop floor.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

A yet-to-be-opened trading floor was a barren expanse with rows of wooden desks still covered in blue masking tape and empty computer stands awaiting monitors to be screwed onto them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

They brought duct and masking tape and filled cardboard boxes with the rest of Merritt’s belongings.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2025

But so far, nothing has stopped the number on the masking tape from going up.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

A pin on her shirt says Legendary Gra with Auntie Bernadette written on masking tape over the rest.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith