facing

American  

[fey-sing] / ˈfeɪ sɪŋ /

noun

1. a covering in front, for ornament, protection, etc., as an outer layer of stone on a brick wall.

2. a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornament or strengthening.

3. material turned outward or inward, as a cuff or hem.

4. facings, coverings of a different color applied on the collar, cuffs, or other parts of a military coat.

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facing British  

/ ˈfeɪsɪŋ /

noun

1. a piece of material used esp to conceal the seam of a garment and prevent fraying

2. (usually plural) a piece of additional cloth, esp in a different colour, on the collar, cuffs, etc, of the jacket of a military uniform, formerly used to denote the regiment

3. an outer layer or coat of material applied to the surface of a wall

4. marketing an area of retail shelf space

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Etymology

Origin of facing

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; face + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

For anyone facing potentially dire medical results or other nerve-racking ambiguities, the waiting is the hardest part.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Yet, these communities are facing real health consequences tied directly to regional water policy choices and lack of action to manage this emerging environmental crisis.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Several countries have enacted anti-cyberscam laws to combat the rise of online fraud, romance and cryptocurrency scams, with con artists in Singapore facing 24 strokes of the cane for serious cases.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Given current challenges facing NASA, the timeline remains uncertain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Ms. Emerson gestures to a chair facing her desk.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam