lining

¹ American  

[lahy-ning] / ˈlaɪ nɪŋ /

noun

1. something that is used to line another thing; a layer of material on the inner side or surface of something.

2. Bookbinding. the material used to strengthen the back of a book after the sheets have been folded, backed, and sewed.

3. the act or process of lining something.

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lining ² American  

[lahy-ning] / ˈlaɪ nɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of marking or ornamenting a surface with lines.

2. a design or ornamentation composed of lines.

3. Printing. a system of designing type so that all characters of the same point size, regardless of font, will align with one another.

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lining British  

/ ˈlaɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. material used to line a garment, curtain, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      lining satin

2. a material, such as mull or brown paper, used to strengthen the back of a book

3. civil engineering a layer of concrete, brick, or timber, etc, used in canals to prevent them leaking or in tunnels or shafts to prevent them falling in

4. any material used as an interior covering

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lining Idioms  

1. see silver lining.

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Etymology

Origin of lining¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, lining is from the late Middle English word lynyng. See line ², -ing ¹

Origin of lining²

First recorded in 1565–75; line ¹ + -ing ¹

Explanation

When a different material covers the inside of something, like the clear membrane on the inner layer of an eggshell, you can call it a lining. Many of our body parts have linings — the stomach lining, for example — that protect their insides. Clothing often contains a protective lining too, like the satin lining of your formal suit or the cotton lining of a sheer skirt, sewn inside, or a furry or plush lining meant to add warmth. A "silver lining" is a happy, bright aspect found in a dark or sad event: "I know there's a silver lining to your car accident!"

Example Sentences

Bojarsky hopes the silver lining of the scandal is that there “might be more of a race” as people scrutinize the field of candidates.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Rising consumer inflation has a silver lining for retirees: It could raise their cost-of-living adjustment as well.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

If there is a silver lining, however, it is that aging Americans are poised to shift more money into Treasury bills and other kinds of U.S. government debt.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

This will involve manually flying the capsule in Earth's orbit to check the steering and lining up the spacecraft for future Moon landings.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

It was all so familiar: the long hallway entrance, the offices lining the white walls, and the white tiled floors.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

Related Words

• covering