ceil

verb

ˈsēl How to pronounce ceil (audio)
ceiled; ceiling; ceils

transitive verb

1
: to furnish (something, such as a wooden ship) with a lining
2
: to furnish with a ceiling

Word History

Etymology

Middle English celen, from Medieval Latin celare, caelare, perhaps from Latin caelare to carve, from caelum chisel; akin to Latin caedere to cut

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceil was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near ceil

ceibo

ceil

ceilidh

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ceil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceil. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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