B1noun2K

Ceiling

UK /["/ˈsiːlɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈsiːlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

the top inside surface of a room

In simple words: The top surface of a room.

Examples

  • The ceiling in the living room is painted a bright white color.
  • She bumped her head on the low ceiling while trying to stand up.
  • The architect designed a beautiful ceiling with intricate patterns.
  • The company's profit has a ceiling that limits how much they can earn.
  • Investors are worried about the price ceiling set by the government.
  • The sound echoed off the ceiling, making it difficult to hear.
  • They added more insulation to the ceiling to save on energy bills.
  • There's a glass ceiling in many industries that prevents women from advancing.
  • In the old house, the ceiling had beautiful wooden beams.
  • The ceiling for donations was set at $10,000 for the charity event.

Usage notes

Use 'ceiling' when referring to the physical structure in a room. Avoid using it in metaphorical contexts like 'the ceiling of expectations' in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'seal' in a room that is 'sealed' at the top.

Collocations

  • high
  • low
  • tall
  • paint
  • plaster
  • reach
  • collapse
  • fan
  • light
  • tile
  • on the ceiling
  • from ceiling to floor
  • from floor to ceiling
  • debt
  • expenditure
  • price
  • impose
  • place
  • put
  • ceiling on

Synonyms

  • roof
  • overhead
  • canopy

Antonyms

  • floor

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ceil' as a verb for 'to cut the top off'.
  • Mixing up with 'floor' as the bottom surface of a room.
  • Using 'ceiling' for outdoor structures.