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

The blast wave nevertheless tossed all of his stock into a jumble of shower handles and hoses, boxes of masking tape and home repair tools — all covered in fine, metallic-gray dust.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

Back when we shared a room, she was the one who'd divide up the floor with masking tape, building an invisible wall between us.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi