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

Peel-and-stick wallpaper and temporary bathroom tiles and kitchen backsplashes are other changes that you can easily undo when you move out without causing permanent damage to the property.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

As Deby had not long moved into her house, she had used a stepladder to strip wallpaper but that and a few foil blankets became the basis of her lunar lander.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Kennedy praised it as a place where kids can have access to organic food and learn trades like baking, building furniture, or producing wallpaper.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

In 1957, Alfred W. Fielding and Marc Chavannes were trying to create a new kind of textured wallpaper by attaching two plastic sheets together, but pockets of air got stuck in between.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

There are flowers on the wallpaper and curtains, and the bed is covered with chenille.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen