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Synonyms

paling

American  
[pey-ling] / ˈpeɪ lɪŋ /

noun

  1. Also called paling fencepicket fence.

  2. a pale or picket for a fence.

  3. pales collectively.

  4. the act of building a fence with pales.


paling British  
/ ˈpeɪlɪŋ /

noun

  1. a fence made of pales

  2. pales collectively

  3. a single pale

  4. the act of erecting pales

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of paling

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at pale 2, -ing 1

Vocabulary lists containing paling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That said, the approach adds texture to a film set during Carnival, the festival’s vibrancy paling in comparison to the creative exuberance on display.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

What, you might ask, prompted this remark from the paling former personality?

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2023

But each of those fines was for just $6,949, paling in comparison to what Metcalf received for the incident with Baynes, and speaking to how the NFL views any verbal offenses directed at officials.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2022

Free agency is in its infancy in MLS, paling in the impact and intrigue that grips the NBA, NFL and MLB.

From Washington Post • Mar. 1, 2019

Piggy bumped into him and a twin grabbed him as he made tor the oblong of paling stars.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

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