masking tape

American  

noun

• masking tapes
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• masking tapes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of masking tape

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

masking tape

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

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

He’s written his name on a thick piece of masking tape, and right underneath it, in smaller print, he’s written, “Running for Dad.”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison