1. (

• ceiling

) the overhead upper surface of a covered space; "he hated painting the ceiling" ;

2. (

• ceiling

) (meteorology) altitude of the lowest layer of clouds ;

3. (

• ceiling ,
• roof ,
• cap

) an upper limit on what is allowed; "he put a ceiling on the number of women who worked for him"; "there was a roof on salaries"; "they established a cap for prices" ;

4. (

• ceiling ,

) maximum altitude at which a plane can fly (under specified conditions) ;