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

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

Some fake tanners are even using masking tape - the type I use on my skirting boards - to create that crisp line across their skin.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025

After losing three of his projected five starters in the season’s first two months, manager Dave Roberts has had to use everything short of masking tape to keep a rotation together.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

The largest jar had “Corn” written on a strip of masking tape.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young