wallpaper

American  

[wawl-pey-per] / ˈwɔlˌpeɪ pər /

noun

1. paper, usually with printed decorative patterns in color, for pasting on and covering the walls or ceilings of rooms, hallways, etc.

2. any fabric, foil, vinyl material, etc., used as a wall or ceiling covering.

3. Computers. a design or picture in the background of the primary display screen of a graphical user interface.

   Personalize your tablet by changing the wallpaper.

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verb (used with object)

1. to put wallpaper on (a wall, ceiling, etc.) or to furnish (a room, house, etc.) with wallpaper.

wallpaper British  

/ ˈwɔːlˌpeɪpə /

noun

1. paper usually printed or embossed with designs for pasting onto walls and ceilings

2. 1. something pleasant but bland which serves as an unobtrusive background

   2. ( as modifier )

      wallpaper music

3. computing a graphics file that can be displayed in certain applications behind or around the main dialogue boxes, working display areas, etc, for decoration

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verb

1. to cover (a surface) with wallpaper

Etymology

Origin of wallpaper

First recorded in 1820–30; wall + paper

Example Sentences

Two new walls, built to enclose the porch, didn’t feature exposed brick like the others, so Robe set them apart with burgundy Jennifer Shorto wallpaper.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

In the guest room, the couple paired the wallpaper with the drapes and the upholstered furniture.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

He is a self-confessed Cristiano Ronaldo fan, has a wallpaper of the football icon on his phone and often celebrates his wickets with his idol's famous "Siu" celebration.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

Le Particulier Miami – This newly opened Mid-Beach gem embraces Art Deco whimsy with pastel pinks and purples, brass accents and flamingo-covered wallpaper.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

I’d read her words but all I could see was blue ink over Big Ma’s wallpaper.

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia