ceil·ing
Pronounced:
/ˈsi:lɪŋ/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural ceil·ingsMeaning:
[count] 1 : the inside surface at the top of a room ▪ The house has low ceilings. ▪ a plaster ceiling ▪ a ceiling fan [=a fan that hangs from the ceiling of a room] —sometimes used figuratively ▪ a ceiling of stars/clouds —opposite floor
2 : an upper limit —usually singular ▪ a price ceiling ▪ The government has put/set/imposed a ceiling on automobile emissions. ▪ Fuel prices are going through the ceiling. [=fuel prices are quickly getting much higher] —opposite floor; see also glass ceiling
3 technical : the greatest height at which an aircraft can fly ▪ The airplane has a ceiling of 32,000 feet.
2 : an upper limit —usually singular ▪ a price ceiling ▪ The government has put/set/imposed a ceiling on automobile emissions. ▪ Fuel prices are going through the ceiling. [=fuel prices are quickly getting much higher] —opposite floor; see also glass ceiling
3 technical : the greatest height at which an aircraft can fly ▪ The airplane has a ceiling of 32,000 feet.
hit the ceiling —see 1hit
—ceilinged adjective —used in combination ▪ a high-ceilinged room [=a room with a high ceiling]