peeling

American  

[pee-ling] / ˈpi lɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that peels. peel.

2. that which is peeled peel from something, as a piece of the skin or rind of a fruit.

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peeling British  

/ ˈpiːlɪŋ /

noun

1. a strip of skin, rind, bark, etc, that has been peeled off

   a potato peeling

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Other Word Forms

• unpeeling adjective

Etymology

Origin of peeling

First recorded in 1555–65; peel ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The intricate patterns and iconic brick walls that once defined the kitchen have fallen into disrepair - plaster peeling from cracked walls and sections of the floor beginning to cave in.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“Every situation is slightly different, and you have to start peeling the onion,” Smith said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

Even with the sketch threatening to go off the rails as Taylor’s bald cap started peeling off, she never missed a step and her dance moves were astonishing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

And arm yourself with simple pantry staples that you can graze on lazily, ideally while peeling a clementine and thumbing a paperback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Unless it was the dusty old times table chart peeling off the back wall that was suddenly fascinating her, it had to be me, I reckoned, steeling my lips against the pull of a smirk.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• crust
• husk
• skin